Thursday May 11th, 2023 - Part 1
Today we booked a ship excursion to the Normandy Beaches, American Cemetery & Memorial, and Bayeaux to see the Tapestry.
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| Waiting for our coach |
The scenery on the way was similar to what you would see in the UK.
Approaching Omaha Beach.
As we approached the beach we slowed down past a small museum, and an important memorial. A couple of people on the opposite side of the coach got up to take a picture. Bryan was one of them, the coach was stopped for a brief moment. The guide immediately ordered them to sit down and that we would have time to walk back here when we stopped.
We stopped at a parking area quite a distance further along and she gave us 10 minutes and ordered us to be no longer. We barely had time to take a few pictures and stand in silent prayer at this incredibly moving place. We definitely didn't have time to walk back to the museum and memorial we had driven past.
"Casualties on this beach were the worst of any of the invasion beaches on D-Day, with 2,400 casualties suffered by U.S forces."
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| Everyone was very respectful |
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| Even the clouds seem to be painting a picture |
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| Bryan looking down at the memorial and the Beach |
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| Les Braves |
Here's a description of Les Braves, taken from normandywarguide.com.
"Les Braves (The Braves) is a sculpture in tribute to the Allies that landed on Omaha beach. The sculpture is located in Vierville-sur-Mer on Omaha beach itself at the junction of dog red and easy green sector.
The sculpture was created by Anilore Banon and consists of three elements.
The wings of hope
So that the spirit which carried these men on June 6th 1944 continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future.
Rise, Freedom!
So that the example of those who rose against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity.
The Wings of Fraternity
So that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves.
On June 6th 1944 these men were more than soldiers, they were our brothers.
Anilore Banon"
This link gives a good overall description of the Omaha Beach D-Day invasion - Omaha Beach-Facts,Maps & Normandy Invasion - Brittanica
The picture below shows the hills where the Germans had the advantage overlooking the beach.
Our next stop was The American Cemetery & Memorial.
This cemetery was very tastefully done and a wonderful memorial. Thankfully we had a bit more time here but many of us stepped away from the guide and went at our own pace. Wikipedia gives a good description of it HERE.
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| Reflecting Pool with Memorial behind. |
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| "Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves" |
"Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory Of The Coming Of The Lord" You want to burst into song in praise and respect of all who lost their lives. We will always remember them.
I found the detailed plans/maps of the assault very interesting. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to study them as much as I would have liked.
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| Map of the air operations over Normandy |
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| Map of the landings on the Normandy beaches |
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| Proud to see the British and American flags side by side. Map of the amphibious assault landings |
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| Omaha Beach from the cemetery |
After the horror of D-Day, such a peaceful place to be laid at rest, albeit with a view over the Beach where they died.
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| Flag at half mast in the distance |
It was a very sombre experience being here, but we were glad that we came.
Next stop was Bayeaux and seeing the famous Bayeaux Tapestry. That'll be in the next blog.
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