“Normandy — where history’s greatest battlefield becomes a living classroom..”

The Class of 44

In honor of the pivotal events of 1944 and the D-Day landings in Normandy, each participating school selects 44 students for a scholarship-supported, curriculum-connected experience in Normandy, France. Through immersive learning and firsthand accounts, students deepen their understanding of history, strengthen civic responsibility, and carry forward the legacy of service and sacrifice for future generations.

An elderly man and a younger man with a prosthetic leg are holding hands and smiling at each other on a beach, with the ocean in the background.

Anchored in the timeless values of Duty, Honor, and Country…

Anchored in the enduring values of Duty, Honor, and Country, Connecting Generations: Class of ’44 serves as both a historical compass and a moral framework for student learning. Through the personal narratives and consequential choices of World War II, students examine the ethical demands of leadership, service, and sacrifice. In doing so, the program cultivates intellect and empathy alike—encouraging moral courage, responsible citizenship, and a lasting understanding of what it means to serve a purpose greater than oneself.

Inspiring the Future.

As the last living witnesses of World War II fade from living memory, the responsibility to preserve and share their stories grows ever more urgent. By bringing students to the shores of Normandy, the program connects them directly to the past, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who served while turning memory into meaning. In doing so, it preserves the legacy of World War II and inspires young Americans to value freedom, choose unity, and carry forward the hope of peace.

“Our curriculum weaves duty, honor, and country into powerful, field-based learning experiences that transform the way young people see WWII history.”

- Robert E. Ball, 92nd Bomb Group