Omaha Beach

I was very disappointed with seeing Omaha Beach.   Besides a small memorial, near an ice cream stand and a restaurant/bar, there was not much recall what went on here 74 years ago. 

I found this memorial moving.   But, believed this ground to be hallowed.   It deserves more than what is there.

Even the beach has been sanitized with a wall. 

Pointe du Hoc

This was another place I needed to see.  On this site, 225 US Army rangers climbed a 100 meter hill, in the face of rifle and machine gun fire as well as hand grenades being thrown down from the cliffs.

The objective was to capture huge artillery pieces the Germans had placed at the top of the cliff.   A lot of men died that day...and there were no guns.  The Germans had moved them back.

This was the first time I had walked into a German pillbox.  I can't image the bravery of the Rangers climbing that hill.

The grounds were covered with huge holes where the ships had shelled the Germans.  Now, they were filled in with weeds.  But, you could clearly see where the shells had landed.   I don't think I would have wanted to be sitting in a pillbox with those shells raining down on me!

Thanksgiving Day 2018

I am traveling and don't have much for a traditional Thanksgiving Day post.  But perhaps for some, a Canadian Goose may serve in lieu of a turkey.

There was a bald eagle watching 1,000's of geese come in and land just across the river.    I suspect he had a great Thanksgiving dinner.

Sainte-Mère-Église: John Steele

This was one of the spots I wanted to see.   As we walked back to the town, I caught a glimpse of the parachute hanging from the church.

I can't imagine what John Steele thought as he hung there watching the battle below.

John Steele survived the war and visited Sainte-Mère-Église a few times over his life.   Damn, I wish I could have met him.

Sainte-Mère-Église: Re-enactors: 2

In the town square, just across the street from the church where John Steele's parachute was caught on the church steeple during D-Day.

It was wonderful seeing so many uniforms.  People were paying their respects to the greatest generation that ever lived.

Paratroopers

It was amazing watching them jump.

When they landed, they just gathered up their gear and walked back.   I can't imagine what it must have been like jumping in the night with Germans shooting at you.

Sainte-Mère-Église: Re-enactors

A few more re-enactors watching the parachute drops.   I am not certain the glasses were original.  But, I liked the rest of the look!

And, I liked this guy's look quite a lot.  I could see some Army captain from Dallas or Wichita in his face.

Veterans Day; Richard Keith Sorenson and the Medal of Honor

I know I am a bit late with this post.  But, I had to wait for the dedication of the Veterans Park not far from where I live.

I did not realize that Anoka is home of a Medal of Honor recipient.

Richard Keith Sorenson threw himself on a hand-grenade and saved the lives of 5 other Marines during the battle for Namur Island, in the South Pacific, during WWII.

Every one graduating from Anoka High School should know his name and his story.

It was a cold day.   I was honored to be there.

All gave some.   Some gave all.

French and Belgian Re-enactors

This couple were together.  She was French.

He was Belgian.

They were so charming and helpful when I asked if I could take their photos.

More D-Day Re-enactors

I was thrilled to see so many people who remembered.

While I was taking photographs, an elderly French gentleman approached me and started speaking to me in French.

I listen quietly, because I don't speak French.  When he finished, I smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I don't speak French."  Then, I pointed to myself and said, "American."

He smiled, grabbed me with both hands and kissed me on both cheeks.  And then he said, "Merci!  Merci!!"

I suspect he was old enough to remember the Germans.

May we never forget the greatest generation that ever lived.

D-Day Re-enactors

One of the surprises were the numbers of re-enactors.  I was stunned to see WWII jeeps and motorcycles.   I mistakenly assumed most of the people were Americans.  I was wrong.  Nearly everyone I ran into was French.

When I asked where they had gotten the jeeps and motorcycles, they said the US military just left them.  So, they have them now and are keeping them running.

The uniforms were fantastic.

 And, everyone I asked to photograph smiled and said, ""Oui".

Sainte-Mere-Englise: The Memorial

The first clue we had that this was the planned drop zone during D-Day, was the discovery of a monument to the US paratroopers.  It was essentially in the middle of no-where.  A field, 3 kilometers from the center of the town.   No buildings around it.  Just a memorial.

It was cordoned off for a ceremony so we couldn't get closer.

But, it was wonderful to stand there and know that what happened 74 years ago was still remembered and appreciated.

These three US soldiers were present to take part in the memorial service.  I had a chance to visit with each of them.   It was an honor to visit with them.  And, I felt nothing but pride that they were there.  They did a wonderful job representing the US.   My sincere thanks gentlemen.

Sainte-Mère-Église: Paratroopers

We were very fortunate to learn that on the day we were going to visit Sainte-Mere-Englise, the US airborne was going to drop over 500 paratroopers in remembrance of D-Day.    We had no idea where to go.  But, as we drove into town, we saw people walking down a very small, paved road that had been closed to traffic.

After a brief question with a local police officer, we were on our way.

There were over 2,000 people that had walked the 3 kilometers to the jump zone.   We found out later that day that this had been the D-Day target drop zone.  Unfortunately, many troops dropped right into the middle of the town and were cut down.

It was awe-inspiring to see 9 vintage WWII planes dropping troops.

Falaise: The Birth Place of William the Conqueror

The ruins of this castle and fortress are across the square from the town church.  It is the birth place of William the Conqueror.   He was the first of the Norman kinds of England.   He was born about 1028 AD.

Of course the castle probably wasn't this complete at that time.  But it was pretty amazing to wander the grounds that he walked and played over 1,000 years ago.

 If you are curious about his history, click here.