JUNE 6, 2025 — Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, delivered remarks Friday, June 6th, 2025, at the Signal Monument near Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, commemorating the Soldiers who landed there during the D-Day invasion and honoring V Corps’ enduring role in the fight for European freedom.
“This Signal Monument is just one of 10 across Normandy,” said Costanza. “It simply says, ‘The Allied forces landing on this shore they call Omaha Beach liberate Europe – June 6, 1944.'”
V Corps, commanded in 1944 by Maj. Gen. Leonard T. Gerow was the headquarters responsible for planning and executing the assault on Omaha Beach, the most heavily fortified sector of the Normandy coastline.
Working under Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Allied command, V Corps oversaw the coordination of landings by the 1st Infantry Divisions and 29th Infantry Divisions, as well as attached units from across the Allied force.
“Despite the terrible losses the men of the 29th and 1st Infantry Divisions fought their way inland linking the US beaches of Utah and Omaha with the other Allied beaches of Gold, Juno and Sword,” continued Costanza. “Ultimately opening the door for the liberation of Europe.”
The Signal Monument, located near Omaha Beach, is one of three memorials along the Normandy coast that commemorate the contributions and sacrifices made by the more than 34,000 Allied troops who landed at here on June 6, 1944.
“Three months after these Soldiers, from 15 different Allied countries set foot on the coast of France,” remarked Costanza. “Paris was liberated. Less than a year later, Germany surrendered.”
With the Army commemorating its 250th anniversary this year, Costanza underscored how V Corps’ role in D-Day reflects the enduring values of selfless service, leadership, and sacrifice that remain central to the force.
“Everyone of us here today that enjoys freedom and our way of life, have an inherent responsibility to live our lives in a way that honors those Soldiers who foughtand died here at Normandy so that ‘The Cause for which they died shall live.’” said Costanza in closing. “Freedom and Democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it and fight for it.”
Story by Sgt. Tyler Brock
U.S. Army V Corps