UNESCO on Sunday added the iconic D-Day landing beaches in Normandy to its World Heritage List, marking the culmination of a project launched nearly two decades ago.
Stretching for more than 80 kilometres (50 miles) of France's northwestern coast, Allied forces landed on the beaches on June 6, 1944 to fight a decisive battle to liberate Europe from Nazism and end World War II.
The nomination included the five D-Day beaches known by their code names: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. A dwindling number of veterans visit each year and world leaders congregate there on key anniversaries.
"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," he added.
