1. For what reason were the allied paratroopers dropped into France the night before the amphibious assault began on D-Day?

2. How many U.S. paratroopers took part in Operation Overlord?

3. How many allied troops in total landed in Nazi-occupied France on D-Day?

4. For what reason are the 12 planes flying from the U.S. to Britain then France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day? (Why do it now?)

5. What is the purpose of the reenactment?

Check out some of the links and watch the videos under “Resources” below.

6. How does learning about D-Day inspire you?

7. D-Day is not part of the required high school social studies curriculum in many states. Teaching about World War II varies from state to state. It's often up to the teachers to decide how much time they want to give to individual battles like D-Day. A teacher in North Carolina who spent about an hour and a half teaching about D-Day said if this wasn't the 75th anniversary of the turning point in World War II, she wouldn't devote that much time to it. (Too many other requirements she needs to fulfill.)
a) Consider the importance to the U.S. and the world of the allies winning the war, and the role D-Day played in making it possible. Why should every high school require teaching about D-Day as part of their curriculum?
b) Ask a parent and also a grandparent the same question.

CHALLENGE: Research one of the following. Explain the importance of the topic you researched:

• Operation Overlord
• Pointe du Hoc
• Bedford Boys
• Battle of Normandy
• Portsmouth, England
• Operation Neptune
• Who planned the D-Day landings?
• Who planned the Battle of Normandy?
  Role of Eisenhower in D-day