The Sands of Remembrance memorial was a historically accurate 30’ x 30’ life size sand sculpture located in Vierville-sur-Mer on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France.  The project was initiated by the White House Commission on Remembrance and depicted soldiers landing in Normandy on
D-Day.  Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the historic date, this tribute marked the first time in history that such an endeavor has ever been undertaken.  

The construction of the Sands of Remembrance was completed by a team of award-winning sand sculptors from the Allied Nations – Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States – a group which was organized and led by sculptors John Gowdy (American) and Dale Murdock (Canadian).  To create the momentous structure, they extracted 50 tons of sand from the five landing beaches: Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword, and Utah, bringing them together as one.  

The Sands of Remembrance successfully transformed the hallowed ground of these beaches as homage to the heroes who shed their blood for freedom 60 years ago.  It was fashioned to serve as a uniquely symbolic and tangible reminder of the fallen soldiers of that day, one which deeply touched the thousands from around the world who came to see its majesty. 

The sculpture was dedicated on May 30, 2004 and exhibited through June 6th.  During the dedication, children from the Allied Nations recited a prayer written for the occasion called “Roll Call of Remembrance.”  Each subsequent evening they participated in a Candlelight Remembrance, of which the burning flames were conduits to the memory of those who fell.

Several partners were involved with making this great accomplishment possible, including Dear Abby, HBO, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trade, and the International Association of Iron Workers.

Currently, the Commission is actively engaging in a project to have Sands of Remembrance as a documentary to be entered into film festivals around the world.

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