Les Braves monument on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

© Christopher Furlong/Getty Image

Monumental tribute. Les Braves monument, Omaha Beach, Normandy, France

Eighty years ago, on the beaches of Normandy, northern France, an event unfolded that would alter the course of history. This day on June 6, 1944, marked the launch of Operation Overlord, the ambitious Allied invasion that became a turning point in World War II. The audacious assault by sea, air and land involved nearly 160,000 troops.

Today's image features Les Braves, a sculpture gracing Omaha Beach that pays tribute to the courageous troops who landed here. French artist Anilore Banon's design features three sections called 'Wings of Hope', 'Rise, Freedom!' and 'Wings of Fraternity'. In addition, across the ocean in Michigan, US, its twin, 'Les Braves II: At Water's Edge,' resonates with the same spirit at The War Memorial. These sister sculptures stand as guardians of memory, inviting a moment of silence from a world that benefitted from the bravest of the brave.