D-Day Collection
HERITAGE LINE - INSPIRED BY THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF NORMANDY
“We had this part of the beach…yeah, we had the short end of the stick, this was the toughest beach. That’s why I tell all people when you go up to the cemetery, walk to the English Channel, take a lookout. I hope you’re there at low tide so you can see what these guys had to come across.”
“The reason why both of us are here today is because someone took a hit for us. The 400,000 Americans who gave their lives for this…they are the reason that all of us – I don’t care where you come from – are here and have the success and peace and freedom we have now. You have to give it to that Generation. I want you all to remember that because we’re not going to be around for a long time and you have to protect this world. We did it once and it’s your responsibility to keep going.”
-- WWII Veteran, Omaha Beach
It’s an honor for us to return to Normandy this year for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day (June 6, 1944) and Operation Overlord. We’re organizing events beginning on May 27th that will bring the history to life, taking us to the very places where brave soldiers fought, bled, and died — from the Jedburgh teams to the Airborne jumpers to those who stormed the beaches.
For the anniversary, the vibe on the ground is one of celebration – American flags flying all over the region, heritage uniforms, equipment, and vehicles such as old-school Jeeps are the norm. Big bands are playing the tunes from the era and people are gathering in the streets for some victory beverages. Plus, it’s fun to see the WWII Veterans and hear their stories right where it happened.
Many friends are joining us for our events. Fellow Green Beret Nick Lavery, who lost a leg and, more importantly, several teammates to an insider attack in Afghanistan, will be rucking the Normandy 26.2 Ruck with us. He’s training hard, as we all are, in advance of traveling to the sacred ground at the end of May.
NORMANDY - HERITAGE INSPIRED GEAR
All GORUCK built gear in this collection will come with an exclusive D-Day 80th Anniversary leather patch.
Nick Lavery has been inspired by the bravery, resilience, and grit of the men who risked their lives to storm enemy lines on the D-Day invasion, not knowing whether they would live or die throughout his career. While deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, Nick fell victim to an insider attack, which ultimately resulted in the loss of his leg. Following a year of surgeries and initial recovery, he was determined to continue on, despite all the warning signs of danger, and refused a military medical retirement. Nick set his sights on returning to operational status and he continues as an Active Duty Green Beret.
He has been rucking and training to take on the 26.2 Normandy Ruck to honor those men and pay homage to their sacrifices.
