D Day

[jabbott]

After a hard week at work my wife wanted to do something on the weekend to clear her mind. A few minutes later and I had a fast ferry booking to France (Caen). We are only a short ride from the Ferry Terminal in Portsmouth, Southern England. Soon we were enjoying the fine weather and great scenery of Normandy, touring the historical sites of the D Day invasion by the allied forces, 6.6.1944, 65 years on. I often promised myself a trip of this type and this was the time. What struck us both is just how much the French people still demonstrate such gratitude to the allies for the sacrifices made. Following the coast, visiting the beaches/museums and watching the short documentary films, is a very moving experience. We met many Americans who had made the trip of a lifetime. For many, the highlight of the trip was a visit to both Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery which overlooks it. The Cemetery and memorial is more than worthy of the many who perished, not just at Omaha Beach, but all over France. A few staggering facts, 172.5 Acres, 9387 headstones, 3 recipients of the Medal of Honor, 41 sets of brothers. So much has been said about the invasion that there is little I could add, just that however much we try, we can never comprehend what those guys experienced. I know some reading this may have been lucky enough to have made the trip, but to those who have not, I hope you may at some time get the opportunity to do so. We made the trip on the Versys, not the Nomad, as you can see in the photo.
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6...1600/Omaha.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6.../Cemetery1.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h6.../Cemetery2.jpg

[Rocket_88]

It is a humbling experience to walk among the lines of graves. Anyone visiting that part of the world should make a point to go to at least one war cemetery.

Thanks for posting this thread.

[Hilts]

Thanks for sharing this. I've watched a lot of TV shows over the past little while about D-Day and a trip to Normandy is one that I must make sooner than later. As you said, its impossible to comprehend what they went through that day as well as the days that followed. I can't help but get a little emoional when I watch the documentaries, I can only imagine what it must be like to step onto the exact beaches where so many made the ultimate sacrifice.

[pat0021]

Originally Posted by jabbott

What struck us both is just how much the French people still demonstrate such gratitude to the allies for the sacrifices made.

Glad to hear that someone still appreciates what our grandfathers/fathers have done for all of us!

Great pics and write up!

[Biggy D]

Thanks for posting this thats a dream trip for some of us yanks.

[vulpine]

Thanks for posting.

[joeVulcan]

Originally Posted by Biggy D

Thanks for posting this thats a dream trip for some of us yanks.

+1000

[ALStensby]

Thanks for sharing. Sad when you look at a field like that only to realize that people still don't know any better, isn't it?

[OSWHollowpoint]

Indeed. Thanks for being one that remembers. Much more than just lives were sacrificed that day. May they all rest in peace, they earned it.

[VrUoLcCkAsN]

Originally Posted by ALStensby

Thanks for sharing. Sad when you look at a field like that only to realize that people still don't know any better, isn't it?

I hope some day we do figure it out.



Thanks for posting about this. I've watched shows on the History channel about D-Day. Very interesting! I hope I can go see this some day.

[jagugator]

My grandfather jumped in with the 101st. While he survived the fighting, the war eventually claimed him anyway. My grandmother said he came back a different man and the only thing he was interested in was drinking. It finally took him when I was nine years old. I sure wish I had had more time with him.

[Hilts]

Originally Posted by jagugator

My grandfather jumped in with the 101st. While he survived the fighting, the war eventually claimed him anyway. My grandmother said he came back a different man and the only thing he was interested in was drinking. It finally took him when I was nine years old. I sure wish I had had more time with him.

We always think of the ones killed in battle but for sure, the war, any war, has a huge impact on everyone. Surving and then living with the memories of what one experienced and witnessed must be a heavy burden to bear.

[76brian]

Originally Posted by Biggy D

Thanks for posting this thats a dream trip for some of us yanks.

...and some of us canucks too.

Someday.

[OSWHollowpoint]

Yes, some Canucks as well. I made a promise to my grandfather before he passed, that I would one day visit where he came ashore. He never once talked about it even when I asked. I learned quickly not to ask again.

[flbiker]

we owe alot to those brave men

[jagugator]

Originally Posted by flbiker

we owe alot to those brave men

Amen!

[usmalenurse]

Originally Posted by Hilts

We always think of the ones killed in battle but for sure, the war, any war, has a huge impact on everyone. Surving and then living with the memories of what one experienced and witnessed must be a heavy burden to bear.

And a lot bear them quietly. My uncle, who was a WWII veteran passed away this past October and I never heard him talk about the war at all. When anyone would start talking about it, he either changed the subject or would just walk away. I learned at his wake that his plane, he was a tail gunner, was shot down twice during the war and he and part of his crew spent 2 days floating on part of the wreakage of their plane before being rescued by a fishing vessel. He flew in a total of 61 battle missions over Europe during the war and received numerous medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross with an oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Eamet Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars. One of my other uncles said he told him once that the worst part of the missions were after you landed, grateful that you had not been shot down, only to learn that one or two of your crew members were dead. Always knowing when you took off on another mission that the odds were great that somebody on board would not be alive on the return back. He took a lot with him to the grave...a lot of those guys took a lot with them.

Charles

[sharky1381]

Soon there won't be anyone left with direct knowledge of the events, sacrifices and hardships endured by people of all nations those many years ago. I hope that those of us who have benefited from the selfless acts of the everyday heroes of the greatest generation don't waste their legacy.

[joeVulcan]

Originally Posted by sharky1381

Soon there won't be anyone left with direct knowledge of the events, sacrifices and hardships endured by people of all nations those many years ago. I hope that those of us who have benefited from the selfless acts of the everyday heroes of the greatest generation don't waste their legacy.

It was my priviledge earlier this year to stand in a flag line for a group of WWII vets as they were boarding a plane for their Honor Flight to Washington DC to see the WWII memorial. Sharky is right in that we don't have much time left with these heroes. Most were very old and frail, but every single one of them had a spark in their eye that I rarely see these days.

They were also wearing shirts that said, "If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, thank a vet." Pretty much summed it up for me.

[Streaking Tiger]

My dad was in the Navy and landed LST's on Normandy beach that day. He lost a lot of buddies that day. He passed a few years ago, but he somehow managed to never let that day bother him. Some of his experiences that he shared with me sent shivers down my spine. You would have like my dad if you ever met him. Never cursed, smoked, drank - and was like a monk IMO. I still wish I could be more like him.