bases more of his German artillery tractors.
The story of America's role in D-Day is told in the upcoming America at War: D-Day card collection. Scheduled for release in September of this year, the collection contains 192 cards similar to sports and entertainment trading cards. These, however, focus on the people, places, events and equipment of D-Day, and feature hand-colored historical photographs and illustrations as well as text elaborating on each topic.
A unique feature of this collection is that it contains two complete sets of cards: America at War: Series I - D-Day and Band of Brothers Series I featuring the real-life veterans from the 101st Airborne known as the Band of Brothers. This duo-deck format is a rare event in the collector card industry, with each box containing no doubles. Randomly inserted Instant Win Cards, however, are included, offering chances to win authentic Second World War memorabilia as well as limited-edition Valor Studio art prints.
Design company Graphic Communications Group has created the America at War: D-Day collection, and is releasing it through their iCardz division to commemorate this year's 65th anniversary of the world-altering event known as D-Day. It was on June 6, 1944 that Allied forces landed on five beaches in Normandy, France, successfully driving German occupiers back from the coast, gaining ground into Europe, and changing the outcome of the Second World War.
The signature aspect of the America at War: D-Day collection is the inclusion of autographed Band of Brothers cards. Each box of 192 pieces features a card with a genuine signature, not a reproduced impression, from one of the Band of Brothers veterans. This exclusive addition explores the extraordinary story of Easy Company from its inception up to and including the Normandy offensive, and contains cards profiling actual Band of Brothers veterans such as Dick Winters, Donald Malarkey, "Wild Bill" Guarnere, "Babe" Heffron, Buck Compton, and others.
Says Graphic Communications Group President Dean Johnstone: "Everyone wants a souvenir of his or her hero: athletes, movie stars, musicians. More than hitting a home run or recording a hit song, however, these veterans put their lives on the line for America and her Allies. In an era when the term 'hero' is sometimes used indiscriminately, these veterans are truly deserving of the title."
By exclusive arrangement with Valor Studios Inc., the collection is highlighted with original artwork from their skilled artists depicting key scenes from the Normandy Invasion. Established in 1999, the art and magazine publishing company has developed an international reputation as the publisher of the world's most prestigious military artwork and the leading history magazine, Valor. The company's work reflects its mission to "honor veterans by telling their stories on canvas and in print." Their work, including elements found in the America at War: D-Day collection, can be viewed online at valorstudios.com.
Adding additional significance to the collection is the inclusion of sketch cards featuring original artwork by renowned artist Ingrid Hardy in random packages. Producing artwork for several best-selling Topps series including Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Heroes, and The Lord of the Rings, much of Hardy's work has become valuable collector's items. Hardy's cards featured in the America at War collection pay tribute to the "Band of Brothers" with sketches of some of the actual members of Easy Company who fought in the name of freedom during the Second World War.
To view highlights from the America at War: D-Day collection or for more information, visit LestWeForgetCardsUS.com or call 1-888-484-5222 (toll free). Graphic Communications Group produces a variety of card collections through its iCardz division, and can develop and provide cards to military and history-based publications for use as subscription incentives for insertion within the magazine or as an attachment to the magazine's cover. Contact the company through icardz.ca.