D-Day beaches inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List

RENNES, France – The iconic D-Day landing beaches in Normandy were on July 26 inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking the culmination of a project launched nearly two decades ago.Stretching for more than 80km of coastline in north-western France, the beaches where Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944, were the scene of a decisive battle to liberate Europe from Nazism and bring an end to World War II.The nomination included the five D-Day beaches known by their code names: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.“This decision places a responsibility upon us,” said Herve Morin, president of the Normandy region.“It compels us to preserve this property, to protect it, to cherish it even more, and to promote its value.”The D-Day landings join more than 50 French sites already inscribed on the list, alongside the spectacular island of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy and the Palace of Versailles.Recognition of their “outstanding universal value” brings international renown and commits the authorities to working towards their preservation. AFP