Today we had the opportunity to visit the beaches that US troops invaded on D-day. It was an emotional day to see such important places in the history of the world. I have a stronger appreciation for those that sacrificed their lives for people they did not know. Over 10,000 young men sacrificed their lives on a very carefully planned invasion. I learned many logistic facts about the invasion that were very interesting to me. It was planned on a full moon so the airplanes would be able to see well enough and the soldiers could successfully parachute to ground. Fake parachuters were thrown from airplanes so that some German troops would leave the posts near the beaches. I watched Saving Private Ryan this week because I was told by Allison I had to watch before going. I'm very glad I did to understand how intense and incredible the invasion really was.
These were the most moving head stones. They read, "Here rests in honored glory, A comrade in arms, Know but to God."
The crosses go on farther than the eye can see.
The weather was beautiful. I can not get enough of the sun. The weather in Paris has been over cast for a while. The sun highlighted the beautifully kept grounds.
The flowers amidst the crosses were beautiful.
On the cliff over looking the beach. Can you see all the craters in the back round? The ground in covered in craters where bombs were dropped and mines/grenades were set off. Some were very deep. It was surreal to see it all and imagine the ciaos that happened that morning.
We arrived before sunset and had the opportunity to see the sun rise. Again, a very moving experience. Forever grateful!
We also spent some time down on Omaha beach. We took many acrobatical pictures, I will have to add those soon!
Love you all!
i am glad you had the opportunity to visit these places and feel the sacrifice of many men and women from a long time past. it helps to
ReplyDeleteappreciate the good old u.s. of a.
mommy