The Beaches

A few days ago, our group spent two days doing a whirlwind tour of many places significant in the D-Day (Jour-J en francais) Invasion. We visited three different cemeteries in the area (German, British and American). These three locations were quite striking to say the least. We traveled to both Utah and Omaha Beaches, the German "batterie" where their gun bunkers were constructed. At this site, you can walk around to look at the guns and defenses where the Germans tried to defend the coast from the invasion. In addition, you can still see the bombing areas where there are giant holes, it is pretty evident why this war too such a toll on Europe. In addition, we toured the World War II museum at Bayeux and saw a pretty amazing film at Arromanche that gave a 360 degree account of the war. We traveled to St. Mere Eglise where the Allies parachuted soldiers into the town to offer a distraction to the Germans in order to assist the seaside invasion. One of the most intriguing sites was the artificial port created by the Allies once they captured this area. Not having a natural port, the closest one being Cherbourg occupied by the Nazis, they were forced to create their own. Amazingly enough, there are still parts of this port that are still in the water off of the shore. Looking at pictures in the museums is astounding, you are immediately impressed by the ingenuity of the Allies and what a feat it was to construct this man-made port.

These experiences were certainly once in a lifetime opportunities. However, I could not help but thinking about how peaceful these areas are now. Omaha and Utah beaches were gorgeous. The sun was shining, you can walk along for huge stretches and they are idyllic locations. With this peaceful reflection, you are at once smacked with the reality that happened 65 years ago on these beaches. The peace was shattered by the Allied invasion to repel the Nazis. These men were at a huge disadvantage coming in from the water, in essence providing easy targets for the fortified Nazi army. However, against huge odds, the Allies prevailed and after reflecting on this sobering piece of history, you are thankful for the relative safety with which we are accustomed.

The cemeteries are another interesting talking point. The German cemetery is quite stark and very Stoic in its approaches. The British cemetery was beautiful and there is a very interesting monument at this cemetery speaking about the relations between England and France going back 1000 years to William the Conqueror. The American cemetery was fascinating in many respects. The beautiful gardens and symmetry are simply amazing. It is striking to see the thousands of grave markers. In walking through paying my respects, I was stunned to fall upon a boy of 20 years old killed on my birthday (7/15) almost 65 years to the day. I was truly struck by this reality. One of the most interesting reflections that I made after seeing all three sites was the fact that so many died, yes, but on both sides. How many of these people really had no specific ideologies one way or another? What were their stories on both sides? Thousands and thousands of lives, a full generation of American, Canadian, and European men lost. Who knows what great things may have come from those men if circumstances were different?