Bayeux Shuttle - Meehan Memorial

We gather here at a site of profound tragedy and solemn remembrance. This memorial is dedicated to First Lieutenant Thomas Meehan III and the men of the 101st Airborne Division who perished when their transport plane, a C-47…

Thomas Meehan was a man of character and duty. Before the invasion, he had written a moving letter to his wife, expressing his love and his readiness for the challenges ahead—a letter that has since become a poignant symbol of…

The night of June 5th and the early morning of June 6th was a time of unprecedented aerial activity. Over 800 C-47 transport planes crossed the English Channel, carrying thousands of paratroopers into the heart of occupied France. …

For many decades, the remains of the men on aircraft 66 were not fully identified. It wasn't until the early 21st century that advanced forensic techniques and dedicated historical research allowed for a more complete…

When the rest of Easy Company landed, they were scattered across the Normandy countryside. Many were miles from their designated drop zones. …

Observe the design of the Meehan Memorial. Like many D-Day monuments, it is built from the local stone of Normandy, ensuring that it feels like a part of the landscape it commemorates. …

For the families of the men who died on aircraft 66, this memorial is more than just a historical marker; it is a sacred site. Over the years, many children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren of the fallen have made the…

As we conclude our time at the Meehan Memorial, let us carry the names of these men in our hearts. First Lieutenant Thomas Meehan and the twenty-one others who fell with him were among the first to pay the ultimate price on D-Day. …