2013-8-4 - Normandy

Everyone is excited about the trip to Normandy, the beaches & the cemetery which included lunch, of course.  The excursion was from 8 - 6:45...a long day but worth it. Nice ride, beautiful country side. I got out of the bus & walked to the shore line. Unexpected emotion swept over me - I had a lump in my throat, tears were welling up. I had no idea I'd feel this way. How can Americans forget what happened here & many other places our brave soldiers fought not just here 60 years ago, but since that time all over the world. But, sadly, most have.

                 

 

  

 I was rather annoyed that people were enjoying the beach where so many died.

"On the centre of Omaha Beach is the monument, to the Americans who liberated France. It was placed on the beach, near the original monument placed here many years ago.
It was commissioned by the French government to celebrate the 60th anniversary in 2004. The sculptor was executed by Anilore Banon and consists of three elements.

The Wings of Hope:

So that the spirit which carried these men on 6th June 1944, continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future.
Rise of Freedom:
So that the example of those who rose up against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms on inhumanity.
The Wings of Fraternity:
So that the surge of brotherhood always reminds of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves.
On 6th June 1944, these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers."

 

 

The museum was amazing which included memorable old film clip of the war

 

 

 

 

  

 

Beautiful town on the sea 

This is how the locals deploy small vessels & PWC

 

This is what they use to blow those damn PWC out of the water (just kidding)

We wish we could have stayed for several days, but time to board the bus for the American Cemetery.

A beautiful & fitting location. The grounds were immaculately kept, the staff were kind, considerate & respectful. On our arrival we gathered around as the staff conducted a very emotional ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers & commemorating all veterans. We were given flowers to place by the crosses.  This is difficult for me to put into words how I felt to be there so I'll let the pictures tell the story.

"On June 8, 1944, the U.S. First Army established the temporary cemetery, the first American cemetery on European soil in World War II. After the war, the present-day cemetery was established a short distance to the east of the original site.
Like all other overseas American cemeteries in France for World War I & II, France has granted the United States a special, perpetual concession to the land occupied by the cemetery, free of any charge or any tax. This cemetery is managed by the American government, under Congressional acts that provide yearly financial support for maintaining them, with most military & civil personnel employed abroad. The U.S. flag flies over these granted soils....The cemetery is located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach (one of the landing beaches of the Normandy Invasion) & the English Channel. It covers 172 acres & contains the remains of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy & ensuing military operations in World War II. Included are graves of Army Air Corps crews shot down over France as early as 1942."

 

                             

"The Spirit of American Youth (1953-56), Donald De Lue, sculptor, Omaha Beach Memorial, Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, France."

 Inscription at the bottom of the statue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Omaha Beach

 

 We drove a bit further to see the bunkers

 

 We boarded the buses hot & exhausted but feeling blessed that we got to part of the history that makes the USA so great. Everyone was aboard except for Wayne. I raised my hand & announced that Wayne was not on the bus. A flurry of action as the staff took off in different directions to find him - I wanted to help but they made me stay put...one missing person was enough. They found him in the underground museum of the tourist center - we were not told there was another museum there or we all would have gone. As we returned to the boat it was a mad dash to the dining room as dinner as at 7 pm. At 9:15 we had a fun game of the Liar's Club to find out the correct definition of a few rare words...love this game.