The American Battle Monuments Commission organizes a groundbreaking Feb. 17 to announce site restoration planned at Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument.  

The event, that is on invitation only, will offer an overview of the upcoming project, including the scope of work, expected timeline and the restoration and preservation objectives. The project will last approximately 18 months and reflects an effort to safeguard the site’s fragile wartime structures to ensure future generations have access to them.  

ABMC audiences will be kept informed as the work progresses. Media will have the opportunity to hear remarks from ABMC representatives and ask questions.  

The World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument is located on a cliff eight miles west of Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach. It was erected by the French to honor elements of the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. James E. Rudder. During the American assault of Omaha and Utah beaches on June 6, 1944, these U.S. Army Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American troops landing along the shore.  

The monument was formally transferred to ABMC for perpetual care and maintenance Jan. 11, 1979. This battle-scarred area on the left flank of Omaha Beach remains much as the Rangers left it.   

The American Battle Monuments Commission sites are a constant reminder of Gen. John J. Pershing’s promise that, “time will not dim the glory of their deeds.”