Normandy

As we finish the c-shaped loop around France’s southern, western and now northern coasts, we arrived at this location. Where in the world are Ethan and Siena? The somber expressions on the children’s faces are apropos of the locale. This wind swept beach, with high waves was the sight of one of the most savage battles the world has ever seen. Over a thousand U.S. armed forces died here within the first hour of fighting. In fact, the beach is nicknamed Bloody Beach for its history. This is Omaha Beach, one of several landing sights during the Normandy invasion, the beginning of the end of World War II. At dawn, on 6th of June, 1944, US troops landed here and at Utah beach further west. British and Canadian forces simultaneously attacked at beaches to the east. But it was here, at Omaha, that the most casualties were suffered.

On a high bluff overlooking the beach lies the Cimitiere Americaine, or the American Cemetery. The French government gave the land to the US in perpetuity to honor those who had given their lives for the freedom of the French people. We try to understand the kind of courage it would take to run off a ship, with thousands of guns aimed at you, and run towards the firing. The gravestones have only names, hometowns and dates of death, and we wander among them, wondering at the person and those left behind, staggered by the shear numbers. It is beautiful here, in an immensely sad way, so peaceful.

The next day, we visit the Memorial Peace Museum. Siena comments that it is really a war museum. We watch a documentary of the Normandy Invasion. The film of actual footage, has a split screen. We can see the German preparations at the same time as the Allied troops approach the coast. Over 64 years later and it is still terrifying.

Tonight, we raise our glasses and toast the hundreds of thousands of souls who died during this horrific war.

Paix (peace in French) to you and yours

The Beatties