The US Naval Combat Demolition Units/Scouts & Raiders Monument Park

The US Naval Combat Demolition Units Scouts & Raiders Monument Park
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 S7rs 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 have been built into the Monument:

• History Panels-Scenes from the Omaha Beach on D-Day and NCDU/S&R history inscriptions were laser-etched onto granite panels. The story is told in both English and French, including QR codes leading visitors to more information.
• The hedgehog obstacle is one of the original obstacles the NCDU/S&Rs destroyed on Normandy beaches, allowing the US Navy and Army landings.
• The Living Beach contains sand that has been gathered from Omaha Beach and other locations all over the world where NCDUs, S&Rs and their successors, the Navy SEALs, have fought, served, and died.
• A map etched in the granite orients Monument visitors to key terrain and reference points on Omaha Beach.
• A NCDU Demolitioneer in combat gear emerges from a granite pillar, illustrating what such a man looked like on the day of battle.
• Pathways provide full access and connections to existing trails, the beach, and the adjacent parking area.
• A granite panel will display a list of key monument contributors as part of the Donor Stone.

The Monument will stand proudly for generations overlooking Omaha Beach in Normandy. It is prominently located in the beautiful village of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, near the American Cemetery, so visitors from all over the world will learn the history of these courageous men and pay respect to their heritage.

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.