Behind the scenes of the D-Day 80th Anniversary: Planning a Historic Tribute.

When I began my internship at the French Consulate, I never imagined I’d take the lead on a project as significant as the 80th anniversary of D-Day but my knowledge of and connections within the U.S. military inspired me to propose an event celebrating the historic collaboration between French and American forces, a partnership that has shaped our shared history since the American Revolution. My superior entrusted to me to bring to life in collaboration with the protocol department

With outreach to the United Nations, we secured participation from a British and French representatives, as well as every branch of the U.S. military. These weren’t just symbolic presences; attendees were active duty and ranged from recruiters to commandants, alongside two high-ranking New York City commissioners, including one from the Department of Veterans Services.

Over a month before the event, we started the planning process. Every speech had to align with protocol, respecting a complex web of not only military but also diplomatic hierarchies. Questions arose that went beyond logistics and delved into diplomacy: “Which anthem should be played first?” and “How can we arrange three salons to accommodate wheelchair-bound WWII veterans while ensuring accessibility and comfort for all in a hot day of June?” Every detail carried significance, especially given that hosting on consulate grounds meant we were symbolically hosting on French soil.

The logistical challenges didn’t stop there. The military band, graciously agreeing to play all evening, required early rehearsal time on the consulate’s grand piano, a stunning instrument that, while beautiful, wasn’t ours to use freely. Securing permissions and determining how to fit a piano into a packed venue of over a hundred attendees required meticulous planning and creative problem-solving.

On the day of the event, small and time consuming crisis started including a last-minute floral crisis. The arrangements fell through, leaving us empty-handed just hours before the event. I jumped on a city bike, in heels and dressed up for the event, pedaled to Trader Joe’s before making my way back with hundreds of dollars’ worth of flowers, where my colleagues and I transformed the kitchen into a bouquet workshop.

The event exceeded all expectations, with a turnout that underscored the importance of D-Day to nations worldwide. Among our attendees were representatives from South Korea, Germany, and several Slavic countries. On a more personal note, the WWII veteran who attended with his daughters was a profoundly moving moment as he shared stories of resilience. I couldn’t not look around me, all of us, world citizens who are the result of fights we can’t even imagine beyond the pictures.

This project taught me that I could do anything but most importantly, the art of balancing diplomacy with adaptability. Whether navigating high-stakes protocols, coordinating multinational participants, or solving unexpected crises, I learned the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and collaboration.

I will remember this special project as a powerful reminder of the bonds we share across borders and generations. Freedom can be taken away by anyone, anytime, anywhere in the world so being part of keeping this memory alive will always be one of the moments I am the most proud of.