The walk to the view from above is as serene as the view.
The view from the beach is calm. The surrounding houses, people on the beach and in the water are reminders of the why.
The statue, the sign markers, the museum, the photos are reminders of what happened on 6 June 1944 – right here on Omaha Beach.
The rows and rows gravemarkers also reminded us of the importance of being about to enjoy happiness today on the beach below. This is the US cemetery above the beach.
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well-trained, well equipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely. (General Dwight D. Eisenhower, United States Army)
Next post: More Normandy
For other posts about our time in the British Isles, click here.
Beautiful travel and photographs dear Frank, Thank you, have a nice day, Love, nia
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Nia,
Thank you …. and glad you came along. I hoped you watched the videos on this past post. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2017/11/12/on-a-box-now-checked/
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This just gives me chills. We have so much reason to thank those men who landed at Normandy . . .
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Kerry,
I hoped to strike a certain mood in this post … and your comments confirm my success. Many thanks … and yes – a salute to all the soldiers on all the Normandy beaches.
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I remember being there, Frank. One of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Everyone who glamorizes war or needs to appreciate what so many sacrificed, should visit that cemetery. Tears came easy that day.
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George,
Glad I was bring back your memories. Yes, it’s a different place … a solemn place … and yes, emotional. Thanks for sharing yours.
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No, not just any beach. Thanks for sharing, Frank.
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Merril,
Thanks for confirming my choice of title was appropriate.
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Beautiful, Frank. This is such sacred ground. Thanks.
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John,
The beach is interesting because of the cliff-like walls … and yes, sacred grounds.
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Can you imagine trying to scale those cliffs.
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The few pictures that I have seen of the landings on these beaches always get to me at a visceral level. All around here in Devon where I live are reminders of the same landings as the local beaches and inlets were where the men gathered before crossing the channel. There are still remannts of the slipways built by the US Navy on beaches in Salcombe. There is a picture in this post: https://philipstrange.wordpress.com/2016/10/24/an-autumn-sunshine-walk-in-south-devon-salcombe-to-gara-rock/
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Phillip,
Thanks for your post. Most of us picture coming ashore, but not the gathering and preparation. Today both shores are beautiful, and thanks to those involved, we had enjoy their beauty today.
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A very emotional post which convinces me to visit the Normandy beaches on my next trip to France. Also thanks to your reader who provided the link to South Devon-Salcome-Gara Rock, where I’d also like to visit.
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Tim,
Normandy is worthy of a visit. The visuals but much in perspective. Hope you get there soon.
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Pingback: On Two Towns in Normandy – A Frank Angle
Wonderful pictures, Frank.
Normandy is a place every history lover should visit. John, Jacob, and I took my dad, a WWII vet (Pacific). When he was 80. It was a fascinating trip, and the people in Normandy love Americans.
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Elyse,
The sea of crosses weighs heavy. How great that you got your dad there! Well done!!!!
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What an amazing place! Just seeing the photos is stirring! My dad, who was too young to enter the war, as an adult knew men who’d fought there, and he made sure my brother and I understood as much about the significance of Omaha Beach and the American sacrifice. I have always felt a little connection because I knew some of the men who made it back. The monuments are very inspirational, too.
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Debra,
Many great points. We’ve been wanting to visit here for some time, so glad we finally made it. Wished we could have visited the other beaches. Oh well .. only so much time. I’m confident you will enjoy a trip there. … Think about cruising the British Isles for a sampling!
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Really really cool.
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Betsy,
An unquestionable place that activates many thoughts.
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All those white crosses…. so many died. I know we all get to go one day, but war just seems unreasonable to me.
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Resa,
Yes – the number of white crosses is astonishing … and to think this is only the cemetery for one beach … and I think there were 5 beaches! Absolutely crazy to ponder.
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