D-Day is the term used to describe Operation Neptune, which was the codename for the Normandy landings that took place during the Allied invasion of Normandy during Operation Overlord in World War II. June 6th 1944 was the day that witnessed the largest seaborne invasion in history and the start of the invasion of the Western Europe territories occupied by the Nazis. This invasion led to the restoration of France and was a major factor in the Allied victory.
The planning of the operation commenced in the preceding year; in the months that led up to the invasion, a substantial military deception codenamed Operation Bodyguard was planned by the Allies to mislead the Germans about where and when the main Allied landings would take place.
2014 is the 70th anniversary of D-Day, with the Battle of Normandy set to be commemorated by a number of Allied heads of state and the thousands of people who will visit Normandy from all over the world. Over 600 veterans are expected to visit Normandy along with Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the British royal family.
A major series of commemorative events is also planned to mark the occasion in both Normandy and the United Kingdom, which will be supported by over 1,700 personnel from the British Army, Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. The planned displays will include ships crossing the English Channel and a descent by parachute.
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