President Ronald Reagan gave a famous speech in Normandy, commemorating the D-Day invasion, Operation OVERLORD – “Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war.”

Reagan gave that talk on the 40^th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1984. Less than eight months earlier, he had ordered Army Rangers and Paratroopers (along with units of Marines, Navy and Air Force) into an invasion of another hostile shore – the island of Grenada in Operation URGENT FURY. Jumping onto the airfield at Point Salines and storming ashore from ships and aboard helicopters, the Americans fought a sharp battle with Cubans and Grenadans over the course of a week. We will visit the actions at Salines, Grand Anse, St George, Forts Rupert and Frederick, the True Blue Campus, Callisle and more.

Beyond the 1983 invasion, the island of Grenada is famed for its natural beauty and south Caribbean culture and lifestyle. We will have plenty of opportunities to explore the pristine baches and sea, the quaint market towns, and enjoy the music and cuisine of the “Island of Spice.” We will also take in a match of the national sport in this English-speaking land – cricket.

40 years after Reagan lauded the Rangers of 40 years before, it is our turn to honor the Rangers and others he sent into a hot battle in the Cold War. Join us for an amazing island adventure!

What sets Essential History Expeditions and Dr. Brian DeToy apart is his unique experience with 14 years as a university professor including teaching history and strategic studies at West Point, 28 years as a US Army officer with combat experience, and 27 years of leading battlefield tours. Brian has led tours comprising military leaders, West Point professors and cadets, and business leaders of national companies. Brian’s combined experience as a scholar soldier brings the events on this hallowed ground to life.

My son and I just returned from the World War I trip. It was better than I ever imagined. Everything was absolutely beyond what I had envisioned. Brian made the history come alive, and Sheryl attended to every little detail. I could have spent another week or two with them. 5 stars is not enough. Can’t wait to go with them again.

We just got back from the D-Day/Normandy trip with our family. Since our five kids are now between ages 27 & 17, it was likely our last vacation with the whole family. Two friends of our children joined us. Perfect falls short of describing it. There were excellent accommodations, comfortable transportation to the sites, tasty meals, completely thorough presentations of the history with a personal touch and fine company to share. It all went off like clock-work – even bathroom breaks. Sheryl & Brian have this wired and are experts at their craft. Worth every dime and beyond our wildest expectations – we were thrilled to have this experience for our family. It was a stress-free trip and the standard by which all other vacations will be judged.

It is a shame that rating Essential History Expeditions is limited to only five stars. EHE earns a constellation of positive recognition. Brian is learned in history of great depth as well as the ability to impart such knowledge in a clear and enthusiastic manner. His knowledge is not limited to the topic at hand, in this case EHE’s D-Day tour, but of eclectic history over the ages. We passed a street in France and when someone mentioned the name of the street Brian entertained us with an impromptu mini lecture on the person after whom the street was named, who they were and what they did that earned a street. We visited Mont Saint-Michel whose groundbreaking occurred in the 10th century and the ribbon cutting ceremony centuries later and yet once again Brian provided great insight into the history and events surrounding this island commune. Sheryl, Brian’s most capable and gracious business and life partner, made a complex trip look easy. A most worthy and appreciated skill. Be it lodging, box lunches, transportation (impromptu or otherwise), it all just magically happened(!). I have never been so well cared for on a hosted trip. I learned so much from this trip of a lifetime while being well cared for and socializing with well matched people of similar interests all of whom immensely enjoyed the camaraderie. We all were guided through the shadow of history of very brave people, soldiers as well as civilian; Allied as well as Axis and we were honored to do so. I encourage you to experience Essential History Expeditions. It could be your trip of a lifetime as well.