Memorial Day

Memorial Day 2015

This Memorial Day,

I remember my trip to Normandy, France - 

a place of unspeakable beauty...

and unfathomable sadness.

My husband and I traveled there in

the Summer of 2012.

We stayed in the quaint town of Bayeux, France

for several days.

One day, we took an 8-hour guided tour

to many of the important D-Day sites,

as well as special sites mentioned in

the book and mini-series, "Band of Brothers".

We hopped into our tour van,

and passed fields of white cows,

beautiful countryside churches,

and lovely, old chateaus with pretty white shutters.

One of our first stops was Utah Beach.

That morning, horse-drawn carriages

were racing down the sand.

It was so difficult to think of those lovely, blue waters

filled with blood.

It was inspirational, yet so sad.

We visited sites saved from the Nazis by the Allied troops

(such as this amazing old chapel).

We also went to Normandy museums and memorials

(like this statue of Dick Winters from Easy Company).

I'll be honest.

It was emotionally difficult to see these amazing

ocean views, but know that terrible things happened here.

On D-Day, boys were commanded to scale these cliffs

while the Nazis were shooting at them from their bunkers.

Finally, we ended our day at the

American Cemetery.

It was so moving.

I will never forget the experience.

Today, I remember these boys (and men & women)

who fought to save the world

from the brutality of the Nazis.

A trip to Normandy is extremely educational & insightful.

The region is delightful

and STUNNING.

If you ever have a chance,

I highly recommend a visit.

Have you ever been to the Normandy region of France?

What were your thoughts?

Au Revoir,

Michelle

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