O M A H A beach

By the time we made it to Omaha Beach, the boys were about done with this history lesson.

It was too bad for them, we had more to see.

On June 6, 1944, Omaha Beach was the launching point of the US invasion of Normandy.

It was the primary entry for Americans into World War II.

At the end of a deadly day of fighting, the 1st and 29th divisions held positions around Vierville, Saint-Laurent, and Colleville- three villages that we drove through to get to the coast.
In many areas, it looks as thought not much has changed since World War II.

The homes look as though they are crumbling.
Everything looks old- like much of Europe, but different.

Throughout the villages, it is common to see American flags flying. In preparing for our trip, I read that the French in this part of France are very grateful and love Americans.

I can not imagine how relieved they must have felt the day the Americans stepped into the war starting in their backyards.

The Americans suffered 2,400 casualties at Omaha on June 6, but by the end of the day they had landed 34,000 troops. It was the beginning of taking down the German rule.

Overlooking Omaha Beach on the bluff is the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
The boys quickly became interested again as soon as we stepped foot in the museum, their attention was drawn to the documentary showing on the screen.

From the museum, we walked through the American Cemetery. They keep it beautifully manicured as with the other American cemeteries we have been to including Luxembourg and St. Avold.

Walking through the rows of white-marble crosses and Stars of David was stirring.
The location overlooking the beach and ocean could not be more peaceful and perfect.

After walking through the cemetery, we drove back through Colleville in order to reach the access road to drive down to the beach itself. 

Ty wasn't feeling well, so we let him {and Coleman} stay in the van while we walked along the water for a little while. 

A few pieces of tumbled glass and tiny shells were all to be found on this sandy shoreline. We were amazed at the difference in the three beaches especially being relatively close in proximity.

The feelings we felt and things we saw will stay with us forever.

I hope the memories stay with the boys just as long.