Normandy, France: Omaha Beach and the American Cemetary

Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach was the second stop we made on our tour of Normandy. As most people know, it was part of a larger operation to move in and secure several geographical areas (among them Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword beaches) to connect Allied forces, uniting efforts to combat German military.

Coast Guard Memorial at Omaha Beach

View looking east from west side of Omaha Beach

Even after visiting Normandy, I can't begin to describe all the events that happened that day and subsequently. But to summarize, it was a very daunting task with geographical and meteorological challenges, gruesome bloodshed, and what seems to me to be a miraculous victory in the long run. The movie Saving Private Ryan, although a fictitious story, depicts some very lifelike scenes of the D-Day landings.

Omaha Beach was the site of the first American Cemetery in France, but it was later moved to another location nearby. We drove a short distance to also visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in France, which now contains the graves of 9,387 military, most of whom lost their lives during the D-Day invasions.

A Time Capsule to be opened 100 years after D Day (2044)

Beginning our walk through the cemetery

We explained to the kids that each cross represented an American person who died fighting to help other people. It is a hard concept for young kids, but when faced with a visual of so many crosses representing so many people, I thought it was worth a try. It is a beautiful, peaceful tribute to so many courageous soldiers.

1,557 names are inscribed on the Walls of the Missing, which is a semicircular garden. The names of those since recovered and identified are marked with rosettes.

It struck me that it was nothing short of amazing--standing in these spots and hearing the obstacles that were overcome by some very brave fellow Americans. You can be sure my very next thought was a prayer of immeasurable thanks. The world would be a very different place if not for this turning point in history. Here's hoping future generations will look back knowing we did what was needed for this this day and age...I'm not so sure, but that's another whole blog.