How about a sad and thought-provoking experience to share and one of the primary reasons we chose this particular cruise? The beaches of Normandy. Our cruise company took us to the American cemetery early one day before the crowds, and held a small ceremony playing both the U.S. national anthem (Brits and Canadians had a separate tour) and Taps and gave us each a rose to place on any grave we wished among the 9,387 crosses that stood starkly against the green. Absolutely no one was dry eyed that time and very few could sing the anthem! So many brave young men who gave their lives to save our lives from a wave of horror that spread across Europe. My father was in North Africa a few weeks after this invasion and was one of those moving up through Italy sweeping the Nazis back. It was only the luck of the draw that he lived to come home and share in the freedom that he and others had fought for.
The veterans were called to come to the front so that we could honor their service. Yes, we were all the old folks. Our French guide thanked us for fighting to free his country and hubby later went up to thank him for his countrymen and their role in ensuring our revolution's success.
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Just a few yards away were the bodies of so many souls and a debt we can only repay by continuing to make sure our freedoms are safe. The names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the Normandy campaign but could not be located and/or identified are inscribed on the walls of a semicircular garden at the east side of the memorial.
We also stopped at the German bunkers where Naziis had watched the landing and even delayed their response waiting for orders from a higher command.
Above is the Statue Les Braves. "The Wings of Hope ---So that the spirit which carried these men on 6th June 1944, continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to change the future. Rise of Freedom ---So that the example of those who rose up against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms on inhumanity. The Wings of Fraternity---So that the surge of brotherhood always reminds of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves."
And that event in history was today June 6 back in 1944.