Normandy and D-Day

It was another all day affair. I am exhausted and I still haven’t started packing. And tomorrow we have another excursion I do not remember signing up for it.  I need to come home so I can get some rest.  Today was a very emotional day.

Traveling to the Normandy Coast, we passed the three beaches - Gold, Juno and Sword - where British and Canadian troops came ashore. In Arromanches, we saw the remains of the ingenious Mulberry Harbor, a port that allowed the Allies to land vast quantities of troops and supplies.  In the picture below, you can see parts of the artificial breakwater (in the far distance) that was created to protect the floating dock.

We had lunch at Hotel de Normandie with four bus loads of our “closest friends." It is amazing how many people they were able to squish into such a small area.  They served a lovely salad, and chicken and potatoes family style. The highlight of the meal was dessert — an apple tart.  

Next was a brief visit to the small Arromanches D-Day Museum.  After visiting the museum, we walked around town and along the waterfront. What was notable was that the tide was so far out it was just unbelievable. You can then understand why so many of our fine people were slaughtered as they made landfall.  

We loaded up the buses again and followed the coast to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer. Located high on a cliff over Omaha Beach, it is the final resting place of nearly 9,400 American servicemen and -women. I was overwhelmed with emotion as they played taps. The young people in America should see this, and give thanks to these people who selflessly gave their lives so that they have the right to do these protests.  Veterans held their caps over their hearts and stood at attention and saluted the flag. I was crying and a woman walked up to me and asked if she could give me a hug. The greatest generation would be appalled at today’s destruction of traditional values.  I know I am.  

Our final stop was to Omaha Beach where several memorials were erected. Michael walked the sands of the beach.  He felt that if these people hadn’t sacrificed their lives the world would be so different and that we might be speaking German or more likely, as Jews, we’d be dead.

Piece of the floating dock 

Embattlement

Omaha Beach