D-Day Beaches in Normandy

D-Day is easily one of the most significant historical events of all time, and has a fascinating history that I’ve only begun to understand or appreciate. I’m definitely going to spend some more time back in the states brushing up on my WWII knowledge (as well as WWI). It’s interesting to note that the effects of WWI and WWII are still very much a part of life in Europe. In America, it’s almost like we’ve moved on and WWII seems like a very long time ago. No buildings were destroyed in mainland America, and the only WWII museums I know of in the states is Pearl Harbor (amazing and moving experience btw) and the one in Washington DC. Thus, people don’t really ever talk about it. However, in Europe, the effects of WWI and WWII are still very much a part of everyone’s lives. And while traveling, I’m seeing all sorts of cities with a unique WWII history, so it’s definitely become a part of my life too and is something I frequently think about.

Anyway, I was glad I had the opportunity to see the D-Day beaches while in Europe, but I wish I had more time to spend there, and I hope to return someday. The bus/train system in the nearby towns was horrible and prevented me from truly taking in the experience. Thus, I really only had 50 MINUTES to explore the famous American Cemetery at Omaha beach. I’m definitely going to rent a car the next time I go to Normandy so I can see more and not be tied down to limited bus schedules.

The American Cemetery is definitely something to be seen as an American. You can really begin to appreciate the sacrifice and bravery of those men (American, British, and Canadian), and what it must have been like storming the beaches (Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword). Despite not having very much time, I still took the time to walk through the graves, reading the names of the men who died and where they were from. It was sad to see that so many graves had bodies that were unidentifiable. On these graves was written “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY A COMRADE IN ARMS KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” With more time I would have walked down to the beaches themselves and seen more of the memorials nearby. There is definitely a lot more to be seen, with tons of great museums nearby to check out.

I did however check out a WWII museum in Bayeaux which was great. They had a movie showing in English that I got to watch, and the museum did a great job detailing the events regarding D-Day. I learned a fair amount of new information (mainly about what happened after the beach landings) which was fun to learn about. Random fact: Ernest Hemingway fought in WWII. Crazy, I never knew that until now (quit shaking your head dad. Haha). Anyway, after a fun (not sure if that’s quite the right word) day relearning the history and events of WWII, I made my way back to Leo’s house in Caen to hang out and chill with his roomies for the night.