The genesis and purpose of this striking Monument is summarized by two words: courage and sacrifice.
One of the most compelling chapters in the history of Navy SEALs was written in blood on the beaches of Normandy by the men of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDU) and Scouts & Raiders (S&R) on June 6, 1944. This Monument will honor their legacy of courage under fire despite taking extremely heavy losses.
The US Naval Combat Demolition Units/Scouts & Raiders Monument will provide a clear understanding of the events of D-Day and the vital contributions made by the NCDUs and S&Rs to the success of the Normandy landings and subsequent liberation of France. Their courage and sacrifice will be the theme of the Monument.
“Courage is rightly considered the foremost of virtues, for upon it, all others depend.” -Winston Churchill
Layers of significance will be built into the Monument:
• History Panels - Scenes from Omaha Beach on D-Day and NCDU/S&R history inscriptions will be laser-etched onto granite panels. The story will be told in both English and French, with QR codes that lead visitors to more information.
• Hedgehog Obstacle - Centered within the Monument plaza will be a life-size replica of one of the most common obstacles the NCDU/S&Rs destroyed on Normandy beaches to allow the US Navy and Army landings.
• Living Beach - Sand will surround the Hedgehog Obstacle. It will be gathered from Omaha Beach and other locations all over the world where NCDUs, S&Rs and their successors, the Navy SEALs, have fought and served.
• Map Graphic - A map etched in granite will orient Monument visitors to key terrain and reference points on Omaha Beach.
• NCDU Sculpture - An NCDU Demolitioneer in combat gear will emerge from a granite pillar, illustrating what such a man actually looked like on the day of battle.
• Pathways will provide full access and connections to existing trails, the beach, and the adjacent parking area.
• Donor Stone - A granite panel will display a list of key monument contributors.
The Monument will stand proudly for generations overlooking Omaha Beach in Normandy. It will be prominently located in the beautiful village of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, near the American Cemetery, so visitors from all over the world can learn the history of these courageous men and pay respect to their heritage.
A dedication ceremony is scheduled for late May 2024, just before the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
A visit to the NCDU/S&R Monument will be one of the best ways to commemorate the events of that historic day and to teach future generations the value of patriotism, courage, dedication, and sacrifice.
Your Opportunity to Donate to the US Naval Combat Demolition Units/Scouts & Raiders Monument Park:
Matching Program and Levels of Pledge:
• LEGACY
$500,000
• EAGLE
$250,000
• TRIDENT
$100,000
• PATRIOT
$50,000
• FROGMAN
$25,000
To contribute, please contact:
Lisa Fulton
lisa@navysealmuseum.org
772.595.5845, ext. 204
Donor Recognition (all levels):
Invitation to the VIP dinner and all ceremonies at the dedication in France.
Invitation to the VIP reception and unveiling of the Monument in the United States before it is shipped to France.
NCDU Monument Special Gift (will vary with level of pledge.)
Name recognition on the Donor Stone.
3 Nights accommodations for Legacy (6 persons), Eagle (4 persons), and Trident (2 persons) donors.
Recognition in virtual displays at the Navy SEAL Museums in both Fort Pierce, FL and San Diego, CA.
The Navy SEAL Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your gift may be partially or fully tax deductible.
