As we drove toward the Normandy region, Dan tried to explain the significance of our destination to the kids.  I think that, at the end of the day, they understood that if not for the bravery of many, who knows what would have become of France, England, along with the world.
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Once we reached Omaha Beach, it was humbling to walk these beaches where so many courageous men gave their lives for the freedoms we have today.

The kids collected seashells and buried them one by one. I asked what they were doing and Max said "we are remembering the soldiers." (I think they are understanding).
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We then went to the American Normandy Museum and learned more about "The Longest Day." They played a movie with live footage of the invasion along with a few soldiers reliving that day. It was emotional to listen to and I felt so proud of these men and their patriotism and bravery. One of them said what is most important is that what they did mattered, "just saying thank you and acknowledging what we did makes it all worth it", he said. 
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Our final stop, before our hotel, was the American Cemetery of Normandy. Over 9300 American men are buried in this beautiful resting place on the coast of Omaha Beach. The entire 173 acres is owned by the United States (gifted from France) and it felt like we were walking into a park as we headed down the pathway along the coast. The grass was green, the evergreen trees were lush. There were signs posted that we were to remain silent.
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There was a sense that we were entering a very important enviornment.

Then, as we turned the corner, cross after cross, along with the star of David, were thrust in front of us. Our eyes welled up, lumps grew in our throats as we tried to comprehend the sheer numbers of crosses that were sprawled out before us..
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It was beautiful to watch Dan wind his way through the crosses, tears streaming down his face, reading the names of each person. He has a deep love and passion for our country and his appreciation for these soldiers was evident. Touring Omaha Beach and honoring these men was a dream of his, it was a small way to show them that he appreciated what they did for America.
 


Comments

aprile

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:42:04

Tears are rolling from eyes just from the shear beauty of the pictures you took.
See this field trip thing is going to work out for you. Hugs

 

Mom

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:59:21

Beautiful Memorial.

 

cynthia wolff

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 07:55:19

Sorry I haven't viisted in awhile..Our trip to Sierra Madre was great what a beautiful little town... These pictures are wonderful. Your family must attract attention whereever you go as you are so gosh darn cute..Your children are beautiful..

 

Jenni

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:08:51

Thanks so much for sharing this. It is a powerful reminder to be grateful. I got tears just reading...can only imagine the tears being there!!

 

Dan

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:11:10

Tears rolled again Gina just reading the blog and seeing the pictures of the graves. Wow...so moving!!!

 

aunt sally

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:29:47

I'm catching up on your blog Gina and just had to comment on this one - it so touched my heart. God bless all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, such a loss, such a sadness. May we never forget, then or now.

 



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