Crew 44 Serves at the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy

Each June, Crew 44, a Venturing Crew based in Stuttgart, Germany, returns to La Fière Manor in Normandy to support the annual commemoration of the 82nd Airborne Division’s pivotal role in the D-Day invasion. Located beside the historic La Fière Bridge, the manor was the first privately owned home liberated by American paratroopers during the early morning hours of June 6, 1944. For the past three years, Crew 44 has proudly served alongside organizers, Soldiers, veterans, and volunteers to help make this internationally recognized event possible.

This year’s contingent consisted of just five youth and three adult leaders, yet together they contributed nearly 800 hours of volunteer service throughout the week. Their preparation began months in advance as the youth completed Advanced Wilderness First Aid training, earned advanced Red Cross certifications, and secured funding through grants from the Stuttgart Spouses Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Throughout the week, the Crew’s service touched nearly every aspect of the commemoration. They prepared and served a banquet for 80 members of Team American Freedom, served breakfast to 80 French paratroopers, helped restore and prepare vintage military jeeps, assisted with jeep rides, and made sandwiches for members of the 82nd Airborne Division before their commemorative parachute jump. One Crew member also helped coordinate a special Mass at the historic Cauquigny Chapel, another site deeply connected to the battle for La Fière Bridge.

The Scouts had the unique opportunity to meet and serve an extraordinary group of guests, including three four-star generals, two brigadier generals, members of the Horse Soldier Contingent, the Director of NASA, World War II veterans, active-duty Soldiers, and veterans from more recent conflicts. Throughout the event, Crew members welcomed visitors, answered questions, and represented both Scouting and the U.S. military community in Europe with professionalism and enthusiasm.

One of the week’s most memorable moments came on the evening of June 5, when the Crew watched Saving Private Ryan in a cider barn overlooking La Fière Bridge. As the film concluded, an Honor Flight passed overhead at nearly the exact time that the first paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne would have begun their jump into Normandy 82 years earlier—a moving reminder of the sacrifices made during Operation Overlord.

On D-Day, Crew members visited Sainte-Mère-Église, attended the main ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, and later participated in Mass at Église Saint-Ferréol de Cauquigny, a church that stood at the center of fierce fighting during the battle for La Fière Bridge.

The week concluded with the 82nd Airborne Division’s commemorative parachute jump at La Fière Manor. Strong winds made for difficult landing conditions, and thanks to their emergency medical training, Crew members stood ready to respond if needed. Several Scouts assisted paratroopers who landed in trees and hedgerows, helping them safely recover after landing while remaining prepared to provide immediate aid if necessary.

Crew 44’s service in Normandy demonstrates that impact is measured not by the size of a group, but by its dedication. With only five youth and three adults, the Crew played an essential role in one of the world’s most significant D-Day commemorations, honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom while living the Scouting values of service, leadership, preparedness, and international friendship.