80 years have passed since the allied troops parachuted into enemy territory and stormed the beaches of Normandy.

D-Day launched "Operation Overlord" ~ the campaign that would shift the tides of World War II, ultimately ending Hitler's reign in Europe, and changing America's story, and world history, forever.

Join me on my travels through Normandy, France - to walk the ground where the historic D-Day invasion happened. Together, we visit key sites, revisit critical stories and encounter dynamic people who continue to preserve the story of D-Day and beyond for future generations.

**also mispronunication alert - I referred to the French town of "Calais"~ The correct pronunciation is "ka-lay"**

Below we provided time codes if you want to listen to this podcast in parts:

1. The Basics (0:00 to 30:00) -  What should every one know about D-Day and beyond?  We dig into some details, looking at maps and a timeline. PLUS ~ join me as we travel to Omaha and Utah, the two beaches where American troops landed on June 6th, 1944. AND ... hear the reflections of a historic female war correspondent.

2. Insight From Normandy (30:00:-50:00) - On the ground reporting helped me better understand the logistics and challenges of this historic invasion. Let's walk together through a German bunker with a historian and visit a famous war-time trench on French farmland made famous by "Band of Brothers."

3. Chance Encounters (50:00-1:20) - Meet David and learn how he honors his grandfather, who landed on Utah Beach. See the church where a special tribute literally hangs from the arches. Meet Michele and learn how a twist of fate in the form of a lost canteen shaped his life's work and the historic preservation of D-Day relics.

4. Reporter's Notebook (1:20:00-end) - A moment for reflection: I sift through some of the conflicting emotions from the trip - the thrill of seeing such beautiful tributes to honor those who made such a sacrifice, while wondering why America doesn't honor D-Day with more passion here at home; and the juxtaposition of commemorating an important moment in time, and capitalizing on it.

Keep SmartHER News ad-free and independent – shop in our SmartHER Shop, leave a tip, or join us for LIVE broadcasts while receiving our exclusive Monday "cheat sheet" email by becoming a part of SCOOP: Become an insider!