May 8, 2008
We were packed and on the road at 9:00 only to be delayed by the great Paris traffic. We were on our way to see all the history and wonder of Normandy.
We drove straight to Omaha Beach and walked through this old Germand bunker up on the hill.
It is now a memorial site .
Who can reach the water first? On your mark, get set GO!
Needless to say they all had wet shoes and muddy clothes after this one.
Mark showing the kids how the soldiers used the rocks (shingles) as protection from the German guns.
Logan signing in at the American Cemetery.
The cemetery has a wonderful museum with lots of information and a few films with soldiers sharing their memories of the tragic day.
It was such a surprise to turn around and see an old high school friend Dave Stott and his wife Denice on vacation in France.
Most of the tombstones are crosses, but there are several Star of Davids. If you look closely there are a few rocks resting on the top of this star, we have been told that Germans leave a small rock whenever they visit a grave.
I don't believe this is any relation, but it is a great reminder that we did have loved ones who fought for our freedom and the freedom of those they did not even know.
As we were leaving they had a small flag ceremony and removed the flag for the night.
There are 9,387 soldiers buried here and until you see a white headstone for each one you don't realize how many that truly is. It is a bit overwhelming. It makes me proud that they have made such a beautiful resting place for all those valiant young men who had no idea what lay before them.
There are 307 unknown soldiers buried in the cemetery.
I found my time at the cemetery to be very moving and gave me a greater appreciation for those who lost loved ones during this time of conflict. I have never been more proud to be an American citizen. Our experiences in Europe have been absolutely amazing, and I love it here, but I would not sell my American passport for 100,000,000 bucks.
Mark found a cottage as our homebase for the week that was off the beaten path in Millieres. It is owned by a couple who left their busy pheasant farms in Scotland for a simpler life in France.
Their fields surrounding the cottage were so beautiful and full of sheep and chickens.
One day we found a delivery of fresh eggs at our doorstep, what a treat.
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