What a wonderful, sad, inspiring, and learning-filled day. Our French guide, Angelique, was brilliant. She was full of history … everything leading up to D-Day, as well as all that happened that day and after. We really appreciated her delivery and insite. From two old retired teachers, she was right on the mark. I can’t think too much about D-Day and all that happened – the tragedies of that day are so overwhelming to me.
We began our day by bus to Le Havre. A beautiful little town that still carries the scars of occupation and the celebration of freedom. There are still parts of buildings torn by war and repaired to stand today. We toured Caen, where we visited the battle museum. My Dad was at Omaha beach on day two and he worked the tracks that got the tanks across the pontoons to the beach. They have hundreds of pictures showing every aspect of the arrival and delivery of men, arms, tanks, and supplies.
Swom beach is the furthest east, and was saved by the British, as was Gold. The Canadians breached Juno beach, and of course the Americans on Omaha and Utah.
We visited the American Cemetary, and that, too, is heartbreaking. I love cemeteries because they carry so much within their gates – the feel of something beyond us, the glimpses of time … and this one is no different – young men ready to fight to save strangers who so desperately needed them. The average age in the cemetary is 24.
We had a really nice ceremony at the statue of freedom. Our French program leader expressed his appreciation that the Allies, led by the American forces, saved his country. It was genuine and emotional. We sang the national anthem, followed by taps, and then placed roses at the graves of our choice … and I cried … a lot.
As we went along our bus route, there were large placards showing actual photos of people in the towns, hugging soldiers, weeping with relief, cheering the GI’s. Very inspiring. Our last stop was Omaha Beach. There are remnants of the battlements, bunkers, tanks, and tunnels. It’s weirdly joyful and heartbreaking at once.
I think every American should experience this … and remember.
Can’t upload photos, again, so maybe as we move down river later today. I think I’m two days behind!