Pegasus Bridge
Pegasus Bridge over the Orne River was our first destination in our exploration of Normandy. This was captured in the early hours of D-Day by British glider troops. The Bridge was eventually renamed to honor the British airborne who wore a patch on their shoulders of the flying horse, Pegasus.
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Horsa Gliders
Le Grand Bunker Musee du Mur de l'Atlantique
The Atlantic Wall Museum is inside a German bunker a short distance from the beaches and ferry terminal. It was in charge of the batteries defending the mouth of the Orne River and canal. It was unknown to the Allies for a long time because it had a small aerial footprint. Its incredible depth into the earth was its biggest secret. It was six floors with the top having a complete view over Sword Beach.
Mulberry "B" Ruins
One of two artificial harbors built by the Allies. This was built by the British. Code-named Golden Arrow, it became known as "Port Winston" after Churchill.
Marie Louise Osmont
Her journal was my favorite of our readings. Our bus driver was able to find her home and the cemetery where she was buried from information Tom gave him.
Longues-sur-mer German Battery
This is between Omaha and Gold Beaches. Its guns could shoot 13 miles into the English Channel. That is still impressive. And it meant that Allied ships on D-Day were in danger even when pretty far from shore. There were four 152 mm guns in huge concrete casements to protect them and the men operating them.
Ste Mere Eglise
This is where Ruben, my soldier, was killed June 8, 1944. On D-Day, June 6, this was a target site for paratroopers. One became caught on the cathedral. The church maintains a memorial to that soldier, Private John Steele, with a parachute and effigy of Steele hanging where he had been caught.
German Cemetery at La Cambe
I was surprised there is a German cemetery in Normandy. I don't know what I thought happened to the dead German soldiers, but I did not expect a special cemetery for them. And, it is maintained by German citizens. Another surprise. There are actually six German cemeteries in Normandy administered by the German War Graves Commission.
Pointe du Hoc
The 100' cliffs were impressive. Looking down from the German battery on the top, I could understand why the Germans thought it would be impossible to be attacked from the beach below. But, they were wrong. Never underestimate the US Rangers!
Utah and Omaha Beaches
The day was gloomy and a bit damp. That seemed appropriate for our visit to these D-Day beaches. After the briefings at each beach, everyone seemed quiet and thoughtful.
Omaha Beach
Utah Beach
Bayeux Tapestry
This was an optional activity. I was not keen to go, but Harris insisted. It is a 230-foot long cloth embroidered with the story of William the Conqueror through thousands of embroidered figures. It is one of only 245 items on the UN's Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Memory of the World registry of protected artifacts.
Normandy American Cemetery
This is where each of our group's soldiers/sailors are buried. Our group raised the American and French flags on two flagpoles. We participated in the opening ceremony of the cemetery that morning.
Then, we walked to each of our soldier's/sailor's graves where individuals presented eulogies. After I gave Ruben's, we walked to the next grave. Inbetween, Harris found the grave of the other SDHS soldier who was buried there, James Poulos.
There are 9387 of our lost military heroes buried here. There is a Garden of the Missing where 1557 soldiers, sailors, and marines are honored with their names and branches listed--known dead, but bodies never recovered.
My eulogy photos are on Ruben's Gravesite page. Below are three slideshows: the graves, flag raising, and a few others; the second is the hardscape/landscape of the cemetery; the third is from the museum at the cemetery.
It is a moving, solemn, beautiful place. We all felt very honored to be able to be there.
Then, we walked to each of our soldier's/sailor's graves where individuals presented eulogies. After I gave Ruben's, we walked to the next grave. Inbetween, Harris found the grave of the other SDHS soldier who was buried there, James Poulos.
There are 9387 of our lost military heroes buried here. There is a Garden of the Missing where 1557 soldiers, sailors, and marines are honored with their names and branches listed--known dead, but bodies never recovered.
My eulogy photos are on Ruben's Gravesite page. Below are three slideshows: the graves, flag raising, and a few others; the second is the hardscape/landscape of the cemetery; the third is from the museum at the cemetery.
It is a moving, solemn, beautiful place. We all felt very honored to be able to be there.
Bayeux and the French Countryside
We stayed at Novatel in Bayeux.