FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Students from Lycee Sivard de Beaulieu High School in Carentan, France traveled to the United States to visit the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the surrounding communities from February 7-9, 2024.

 The French students attended several events at Fort Campbell, Ky. and Hopkinsville, Ky. to learn more about American culture and the bond of the division with the people of Normandy, France. The bond between the city of Carentan and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) is an important piece of history for both entities. The bond was established nearly 80 years ago when the Allies invaded Normandy to begin the offensive that ultimately led to victory in Europe during World War II.

 On June 6, 1944, the 101st Airborne Division was one of the key elements to parachute behind enemy lines and secure key terrain to enable the Allied landing forces on the Normandy beaches.  Over several days the division fought to liberate the city of Carentan from German occupation.

“To this day, the soldiers of the Screaming Eagle Division maintain a strong connection with Normandy,” said Lt. Col Tony Hoefler, director of public affairs for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “Welcoming these French students helps keep our shared history alive.”

The French students were able to visit and interact with high school students from Fort Campbell and Hopkinsville to present cultural projects to each other and talk about a shared history.

 Students visited the Don F. Pratt Museum on Fort Campbell, hearing from the division historian and the the opportunity to speak with descendants of Soldiers who were a part of the liberation of Carentan in 1944. The students also were able to hear from a panel of current Soldiers from the division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team “Bastogne” as well as hear from a D-Day and 101st Airborne Division veteran, Mr. George Mullins.

 “As we approach the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, these students have been excited to study the history of Normandy,” said Patrick Fissot, history teacher at Lycee Sivard de Beaulieu High School. “During our trip, they have gotten a lot of exposure to historical accounts of soldiers from World War II and they appreciated the cultural exchange with the American students and their host families.”

 The students laid a wreath at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West honoring those that fought in Carentan. The students also rappelled at The Sabalauski Air Assault School with Fort Campbell High School students.

 This year will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of Carentan. This visit is an illustration of the deep and generational gratitude that has been forged between Carentan and the division that liberated their city in 1944. The city and the division have visited one another on multiple occasions with the division making an annual trip each year on the anniversary of D-Day.