A Trip for the Troops: Famous Battlefields to Visit This Veterans Day Javier Peinado November 7, 2024 Holiday Travel, Military Travel Each Veterans Day, we gather to honor the brave people who serve or have served in the armed forces. As any student of history will tell you, the sacrifices made by our soldiers allow us and liberty-loving people across the world to enjoy more rights and privileges than any other generation. Indeed, our veterans have stood against the tide of tyranny and oppression, ensuring that values like democracy and self-determination will never vanish from the face of the Earth. As Veterans Day approaches, dust off your favorite tome on military history and consider a stop at some of the most important battlefield destinations across the globe. Along with honoring the fallen, a trip centered around locations important in military history will give you a greater understanding of what the soldiers who fought during these engagements saw and experienced as they bore witness to moments that changed our world. Normandy Beaches — France Utah Beach, Normandy, France The Normandy invasion in Northern France is widely regarded as the pivotal battle of World War II. As dawn approached on the morning of June 6, 1944 — known forever as “D-Day” — some 160,000 Allied troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada waded through intense German machine gun fire to begin the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe. Told in dramatic fashion in blockbuster films like Saving Private Ryan and The Longest Day, the Normandy invasion was the beginning of the end for the Third Reich. The battlefield today provides plenty of historical attractions and markers that tell the story of the people who fought on that fateful June day. Museums such as the Juno Beach Centre give guests an in-depth examination of the Allied landings from video recordings of the people who fought during the engagement and artifacts like uniforms and military equipment. Likewise, German fortifications and bunkers on Omaha Beach still bear holes from American gunfire on their concrete walls. Perhaps most humbling of all is the American Cemetery and Memorial, the resting place of 9,388 service members who gave their lives on D-Day and in the ensuing campaign through the French countryside. Pearl Harbor — Hawaii Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Hawaii The Japanese attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was one of the most consequential events in World War II. On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft bombed the American Pacific Fleet, killing over two thousand American sailors and service members and destroying several American battleships. Dubbed a “day that will live in infamy” by President Franklin Roosevelt, the attack on Pearl Harbor led to America’s entry into World War II, infusing the Allied forces with millions of American troops and the United States’ industrial might. Those hoping to honor the sacrifices of the service members who gave their lives during the attack can learn much at Pearl Harbor National Memorial. A sprawling center located within the Pearl Harbor Naval Complex, this unmissable destination is one of the most visited national memorials in the United States. The site’s most solemn location is the USS Arizona Memorial, which floats over the sunken remains of the great battleship. A museum is also located in the site’s Visitor Center and features a wide range of artifacts and exhibits on Pearl Harbor and World War II. Gettysburg National Military Park — Pennsylvania Union Monument, Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania The Battle of Gettysburg holds an indelible place in the history of the United States. Fought from July 1 to 3, 1863, this battle in Pennsylvania saw the Union Army of the Potomac end the Confederacy’s invasion of the North in a grueling engagement that is recognized as the turning point of the American Civil War. The deadliest battle of the war, the Battle of Gettysburg saw the armies sustain 51,000 total casualties, including nearly 8,000 dead. Today, Gettysburg is one of the best-preserved battlefields in the world. Boasting over 1,300 monuments and markers, Gettysburg National Military Park is also home to countless hiking trails. One of the most popular walks takes visitors to the summit of Little Round Top, a small hill overlooking the battlefield where Union troops under Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain fought back wave after wave of Confederate assaults. Afterwards, head to Cemetery Ridge to see the spot where Confederate troops penetrated deepest into the Union line and the spot where Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address four months after the battle. Verdun — France Douaumont Ossuary, near Verdun, France As the Western Front descended into stalemate in the muddy trenches of World War I, German generals hoped that an offensive centered around the historic city of Verdun would cripple French resistance. Occupying an important hill outside of the city, German forces intended to bleed the French army into submission by maximizing casualties. As both sides attacked and counterattacked between February and December of 1916, portions of the battlefield changed hands multiple times before the Germans were finally driven off. Success nevertheless came at a huge price for the French army, which had sustained an appalling 140,000 dead. Among the most visited sections of the Verdun battlefield is the Douaumont Cemetery and Ossuary, the resting place of over 130,000 French and German soldiers killed during the engagement. Fort Douaumont is also an important part of the battlefield. Built by the French army decades before the war, the fort was captured by the Germans early in the engagement and served as the linchpin of their battle line for most of the battle. Bastogne — Belgium World War II Memorial “Mardasson,” Bastogne, Belgium In December of 1944, the German Wehrmacht set out on their last great offensive of World War II. Popularly known as the Battle of the Bulge for the way the Allied lines were pushed back 80 miles in only two days, the German offensive was nonetheless frustrated by a contingent of American paratroopers outside of the tiny village of Bastogne, Belgium. A key crossroads necessary for the German advance, Bastogne was subjected to an unrelenting bombardment as German troops tried to seize the town. In the end, the defenders of Bastogne were credited with facilitating the final defeat of the German army. Most visitors to Bastogne head to the Bastogne War Museum for a detailed exploration of this dramatic engagement that includes exhibits on tanks and other equipment used by both sides. The museum even has an interactive experience that immerses guests in the daily life of soldiers from both sides during the battle. Visitors to the village can also explore the remnants of the American line, which include foxholes that sheltered soldiers during the German siege. Chancellorsville Battlefield — Virginia Chancellorsville Battlefield, Virginia Taking place in early May of 1863, the Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia is often credited as Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s perfect battle. Facing a Union force more than double the size of his Army of Northern Virginia, Lee made the audacious decision to split up his command. Lee sent his chief lieutenant, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, on a lengthy march to the Union rear, taking the Northern troops by surprise and driving them from the field. Lee’s victory turned bitter, however, when Jackson was mortally wounded after he was accidentally shot by a squad of his own troops. Tours of the Chancellorsville battlefield focus on key spots of the engagement, including the location where Jackson’s troops first confronted the unwary Union defenders. Likewise, a museum located in the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center lets guests experience the battle through a combination of artistic interpretation and actual accounts from soldiers who fought in the engagement. Among the most interesting exhibits at the center is a surgical kit owned by Dr. Hunter McGuire, Stonewall Jackson’s personal physician. You Might Also Enjoy: The Best U.S. Military Museums for Veterans Day Iwo Jima, Japan Iwo Jima Memorial, Washington, D.C. Iwo Jima was one of the bloodiest battles of the World War II. Taking place over 36 days from February to March 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima resulted in the complete destruction of the island’s 20,000-man Japanese garrison, most of whom were killed in action. American casualties were even higher, approaching 26,000 killed and wounded. The battle is best remembered for the Japanese army’s elaborate defensive system, which included an extensive series of underground tunnels that crisscrossed the entire island. Regarded as one of the finest hours of the Pacific Theater, the Battle of Iwo Jima saw 27 service members awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the most recipients of any battle in American military history. Visits to Iwo Jima are strictly regulated by the Japanese government, which only allows visits for one day each year as part of the Reunion of Honor Ceremony. History buffs hoping to walk the island must first obtain permission and then book their trip to Japan through an authorized tour operator. Sites included in most packages include the American landing zone and Mount Suribachi, the highest point on Iwo Jima and the spot where United States Marines were photographed raising the American flag in one of the most iconic images of the war. FAQs: Q: Are there guided tours available at all the battlefield sites mentioned? A: Yes, many of the sites, like Gettysburg and Normandy, offer guided tours led by historians. Others, like Iwo Jima, have limited access and may require special arrangements. Check each site’s official website for tour details. Q: What’s the best time of year to visit these battlefield destinations? A: Spring and fall are generally ideal for visiting outdoor historical sites due to milder weather, though specific destinations may have seasonal peak times or unique events. Q: Are there accessibility accommodations at these battlefield locations? A: Most locations, especially in the U.S. and Europe, have accessibility features like ramps, accessible paths, and parking. Check each site’s accessibility details online before visiting. Q: Can I bring my children to these battlefields, or are they more suited for adults? A: Many sites offer family-friendly programs and educational tours suitable for children. However, due to the historical and solemn nature, some may be better suited for older children. Q: Are there any battlefield sites that offer virtual tours? A: Yes, several sites, such as Pearl Harbor and Gettysburg, offer virtual tours online that allow visitors to explore exhibits and memorials from home. Q: Do I need tickets to visit these battlefield sites? A: Entry requirements vary. While some sites, like Gettysburg, are free to enter, others, like the Bastogne War Museum, may require tickets. Check each location’s website for up-to-date ticketing information. Q: Can I take photographs at these historic sites? A: Photography is generally allowed, but some areas, especially memorials or sacred spaces, may have restrictions. Always check for posted guidelines or ask staff for specific rules. Have you visited any other destination where a crucial battle was fought? Let us know in our comments section below!
