We started in Grand Mere Eglise city. The church there has a parachute on the steeple to commemorate and recognize the paratrooper who landed there and got caught on the steeple. The Americans are beloved in this region for their role in liberating France.
The church with the parachute in Grand Mere Eglise, France
Beautiful stained glass windows
Stained glass window commemorating the victory over the Germans
WW II markets all over the town - this one just in front of the church
Another WW II marker in Grand Mere Eglise
We then went to Utah Beach. Cristophe is so knowledgeable about World War II. He talked non-stop for the entire day. He knew details about specific battalions, generals, and low-ranking soldiers who played key roles in the war.
Marker at Utah Beach
Christophe with Tim on the very chilly Utah Beach
Some of the old German bunkers on the short at Utah Beach
This bunker has eroded and split in two pieces
More old German bunkers at Utah Beach
Other historical markers
Statue of American soldiers landing at Utah Beach
We had a quick lunch at a rest area on the highway. It was nothing special.
Then we got to go to the German Cemetery. It stands in stark contrast to the American Cemetery. The entry is dramatic as it is a small opening where only one person can enter at a time. We noted on the tombstones that many of the Germans killed were young teenagers. Such a waste!
The very narrow entryway to the German Cemetery
Beautiful serene garden with only foot stones and groups of 5 crosses scattered around
The footstones and crosses
A center mound with a memorial to those who lost their lives
Then we went to Pointe du Hoc where Reagan gave a well known speech during his Presidency. It was moving. The Rangers had invaded here to take the Pointe.
Beautiful vistas from on top of the cliffs. It's hard to believe the horrors that occurred here!
Panorama at Pointe du Hoc
The huge craters left in the ground from intense bombing
Memorial at Pointe du Hoc
The beaches at Pointe du Hoc
The rocky cliff and shore at Pointe du Hoc
Standing at the memorial at Pointe du Hoc
Very steep cliffs that the Rangers had to climb at Pointe du Hoc
Then we went to the American Cemetery. Cristophe took us to key tombs including the tomb of Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr, the son of the President. We got to see the lowering of the flags. A solemn ceremony. The first flag came down and was folded. Then the second flag came down while "Taps" was played.
The beautiful American Cemetery in Normandy, France
Statue at the main pavilion
Lowering of the flags at 5 pm
Reflecting pool
Thousands of crosses installed with great symmetry
Perfect rows in each direction
The grave of Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., son of our President
A beautiful ceiling painting in a small chapel at the American Cemetery
Panorama from the edge of the Cemetery looking at the English Channel
We then headed to Omaha Beach. It was amazing how they erected floating devices to get the tanks and other vehicles to the beach. Cristophe was amazing with the details he provided.
Monuments at Omaha Beach
A large memorial built at Omaha Beach
Statue of soldiers at Omaha Beach
Omaha Beach
For dinner we had reservations made by Emilie at La Fleur de Sel in a small town not
far away. They specialized in a seafood
plateau but it would have been a lot of work (for me) so we ordered fish
dishes. Not the best food, but the service
was friendly.
We went to bed about 11 as it was another long day. Tomorrow we head to Le Mont St. Michel and
then to Dinan.
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