Pointe du Hoc on Omaha Beach
I've been privileged to visit the landing beaches of Normandy twice. The first visit was in July 1985, where this photograph was taken. The second was last April. My father had been part of the landings and we had spoken about Normandy and D-Day more times than I can count when I was growing up. As someone who was fascinated by history I knew I wanted to visit Normandy.
The visit in 1985 was life changing. I toured the beaches with a French speaking group and spent the day seeing where the hundreds of thousands of brave troops began the liberation of Europe. The Pointe du Hoc especially moved me. Here American Rangers scaled 100 foot cliffs to take out German guns. The troops used ropes, ladders and grapples, all while under enemy fire.
While preparing this post I came upon this article from a Birmingham website. It includes an interview with Earl Warren, who was part of a Ranger Battalion and landed at Normandy at the age of eighteen. I found it extraordinarily moving.
During my second visit I toured with an English group and visited the newly built D-Day Museum at Arromanches, France. It was so well done and I got new insights about the planning and co-ordination that were needed to make the landings a successful reality.
The D-Day Museum
One of the realizations that has come to me is that as my/our generation ages we will be the last to say, "My father fought at D-Day." We will the last to have heard the descriptions of that day and all the days or World War II from those who fought the war. So today and every day remembering with gratitude those who landed on the beautiful beaches of Normandy. Remembering those who scaled cliffs, captured bridges and roads and those, too, who remain forever in Normandy. May their memories be for a blessing.
Commonwealth Cemetery in Normandy, 2023
As ever, thanks for visiting on this historic day.
8 comments
Thanks for this post. These men saved our nation with their bravery and commitment to freedom.
God bless them.
I know you must be so proud of your father. I thank him myself.
We owe your father and his brothers in arms an immeasurable debt. Their memories humble me.
A few years ago, I had a chance to visit France with my husband. We stayed in a little town, Flers, and while he worked, I wandered around exploring and buying pastries. We only had one full day to do what we liked, so he suggested Paris...but I chose Normandy. (he's been there several times). I chose because I felt it was the very least I could do, on behalf of all the mothers who couldn't. It was extremely moving. God bless those soldiers, your dad was amazing, and I'm glad he talked about it with you. Thank you for sharing.
Della
This was the beginning of the turning point of the war. Countries worked together to stop Hitler's horrible advances across Europe. However it is very difficult to read about the tremendous sacrifices made in human lives. We are indeed blessed to have known such patriots willing to fight for freedom for us all.
I have a deep fascination and sense of gratitude for those who fought in World War II and of course D-Day. As you know, when you visit those sites, everything you read before seems pale by comparison. The energy in the air of lost souls, the view from the beach looking up at those steep cliffs and hills one must climb while being pummeled by enemy fire. It is sobering. We must remember, we must pass it on.
While no member of my family was involved in that historic battle, I can understand and appreciate the sacrifices of the many who were there. Thank you, Carol, for sharing your personal experiences on visits to Normandy.
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