I just got home from a month in Europe(London, Belgium, France) and my most memorable day was spent on the Normandy coastline visiting the places I thought to be of most interest to me. I honestly feel my homage to these battlefields has truly allowed me to live history as best I could some 62 years since the guns fell silent. Stop #1 - Omaha Beach
Stop #2 - Omaha Cemetery Even as a Canadian, I couldn't help being swept by a tide of powerful emotions which brought me to tears on more than one occassion as I paced the area for a half hour, on a sombre, drizzling morning. Hearing the chiming bells sounding out God Bless America at the stroke of 10am as I walked out into the burial grounds was nothing short of emotionally profound. God bless my American friends and forefathers who gave their lives so I could one day return and pay my respects. IMO, a must see for any true WWII enthusiast. Rest in eternal peace our heroes...
Stop #3 - Batterie Longues sur Mer 3 out of the 4 German heavy gun casings still remain intact with the 150mm barrels still pointing seaward. Legend has it that the destroyed casing had a 6-pound shell arrive down the barrel in a DIRECT hit, but the more likely tale was an ordnace storage mis-hap long after the Allies had taken the area. Just awesome to see before the eyes, I must say.
Stop #4 - Canadian Cemetery at Revier Half an hour alone with my fallen forefathers who fought and died for my future freedom. Bless them all with all my heart and soul. RIP my boys.
Stop #5 - Juno Beach Where Canada proved its worthiness in battle and stormed in-land with great success. "Softer" defenses than what faced the Americans at Omaha, but nonetheless, a bloody battle that forced German high command to no longer consider the Canadians as "small fish". It wouldn't be long before our boys met their strongest opponent waiting in ambush, in the battle for Caen - the 12th SS Panzer. MG34 gun nest from inside It felt good to kneel down at the wet sand and splash the water around my face and neck in tribute to those who never made it ashore that morning. I must mention the lovely French lady who gave me a vital ride down to the beach after I decided I could walk the 5km from Revier(along a country road with no shoulder and numerous speeding-by vehicles) but soon found myself in a state of confusion upon reaching the outskirts of Courselles. From complete strangers to friends with one generous act. Vive la France!
I hope many of you have enjoyed my 1st thread. I just found this forum tonight in search of somewhere to post my experience in Normandy. Take care everyone. And if you have ever thought of visiting these and other European battlefields, I can assure you that doing so will be the best decision you'll ever make. PK
Wow! Pound for pound the best new member we've had in months! Those photos are stunning! I'm going to visit Normandy in 2007, and now I know exactly where to go...
Agreed, brilliant thread and great pics. I went to Normandy a few years ago and you're pics brought it all flooding back. Thanks again and well done!
Excellent pictures ! Did you get to go to Calis also ? If so did it still have the guns in place or were they destroyed after the war ? Seeing all those graves makes me think, "there must be a better way to solve problems".
Excellent pictures. It is true that we too often take those relics for granted and do not always realize they are fragile. I like the Juno beach pictures for their authenticity.
Yes, that is how you say and spell Calais with a Texas accent ! With a London accent you would spell it Cowlay.
Thanks to all for the great responses. The pictures and words don't really do justice for the feelings and energies that come over you when you're there - at least for me anyway. I would have liked another day to visit Utah, Ponit du Hoc, Caen and a few other spots. Maybe in the near future. Oh wait, I forgot to include Arromanche...
More like Calay, like the French I see what you mean though. More great pics, sure looks like you had a good visit.
ProudGrandson, WOW. Thank you for posting these photos - nothing short of amazing. I really hope to make this trip one day - I imagine it is an experience like nothing else in life. Thanks again!
that was awesome! stellar post! i am making a trip to Europe in 2009, and i really wanted to visit the beaches along with Point Du Hoc etc etc, you have made me feel like i was there!! thanks!!!
Thank you for sharing the photos. They engender an emotional response combined with your shared words and feelings. Glad to see a proud Canadian grandson who values all the Allies actions. I'm the proud daughter of a Canadian vet and I look forward to when I too get travel to these places to honour both my father and his contemporaries - probably 2009 or 2010. Michelle