Normandy

Today we take an emotional journey to visit and pay respect to our veterans. D-day marks its spot in history and in hearts and minds across the globe but especially in the United States, France and Britain.

Pointe du Hoc is the town that needed to be taken over by the Allied Forces so the Germans could not reach the troops on the beaches. There was a plan. The 2nd and 5th Rangers Battallion came in and used ropes and ladders to scale the cliffs (over 100 ft high) of Pointe du Hoc, then attack when on top before the soldiers arrived on the landing beaches, Omaha and Utah. Once they got to the top, they realized there were no guns....they had been removed by the Germans. It was a 2-day battle. 225 Rangers...90 remained after 2 days. 700 tons of bombs were dropped during the landings. 50 million people lost their lives during this war. I have to repeat that to grasp the enormity of it...50 million people lost their lives during this war!

The landings used to be beaches where the French took their seaside holidays..these were the beach holidays of yesteryear. Now it's the most important chapter in history. The courage, dedication and self determination of these soldiers will never be forgotten. We're forever grateful. The cost of freedom is never free. The American cemetery and memorial makes for quite an emotional day. There are 9387 soldiers buried here on the 172 acres of American ground. Not all soldiers were buried here---the rest, on request of their loved ones were sent home to be buried in their hometowns.

There is also a wall of names -1557 names of the soldiers still missing...who were never found...

There are crosses far and wide. If the soldiers are unknown, their cross is inscribed : "Here rests in honor and glory a comrade known only to God."

This is truly a site that should be experienced. A reflecting pool and museum are also on site. A very beautiful and moving tribute to our soldiers.

We move on to see the Bayeux Tapestry which depicts the conquest of England by William the Conquerer. The tapestry measures 270 ' long 9' wide. It contains more than 50 scenes...the last part of the conquest is missing. Two parts No. 16 & 17 of this beautiful piece show Mont St. Michel and the rescuing of the Knights from the quicksand in the bay. No. 32 shows Haleys comet which is believed to be the first known picture of the comet. we were not allowed to take photos....sorry. Do make a point to see it if you're in the neighborhood...very interesting.

It's summer and the cobblestoned streets are lined with musicians playing everything from Jazz to Rock-n-Roll, food vendors and tourists. We stroll through the picturesque streets of Bayeaux, Normandy and partake in the celebration...and love every minute of it...as well as another picnic!