weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Standing on sacred ground: the vast NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY and MEMORIAL in Colleville-sur-Mer covers 172 acres and contains the remains of 9380 burials of American troops who died in Europe during World War II. This cemetery, dedicated in 1956, is the most visited cemetery run by the American Battle Monuments Commission with one million visitors a year.

A visit to these immaculately maintained grounds with the vast sea of crosses is a very moving experience.

.

1 - A vast sea of crosses

(Download)

2 - Memorial building at the center of the cemetery grounds

(Download)

3 - Close-up of the Memorial building with the reflecting pool

(Download)

4 - 22-foot bronze statue depicting "The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves"

(Download)

5 - Flowers at the reflecting pool, with the fields of crosses and the circular chapel at rear

(Download)

6 - Seemingly never-ending rows of white crosses overlooking the sea

(Download)

7 - Poignant fields of white crosses

(Download)

8 - The occasional star of David can also be spotted

(Download)

9 - Charts of military actions in the region displayed at the memorial

(Download)

10 - Visialization of the Landing Beaches and the forces involved

(Download)

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Very moving.
Thanks for taking us there.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Outstanding and very emotional coverage, very well done!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you Richard for staying on this tour.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you nimbushopper, I appreciate your comment.

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Thank you. My father came ashore at Omaha with the Big Red One (1st Inf Div). He survived and lived a long life. Never once did he speak of that experience.

My sister has visited there and when inquiring local elderly folks asked why she was there she responded her father was in the landing and she wanted to see the area. She was then passed from home to home of elderly couples and none would allow her to buy food or pay for hotels. That went on for a week. Each family asked that she express their gratitude to him when she returned to the States. She was truly moved by the whole experience.

My dad was very effected by his WWII experience all his life. It shaped his life and beliefs. I am immensely grateful for his sacrifices. You’ve brought tears to my eyes.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I emotionally broke down at the American Cemetery in Normandie, and could only think of:

In Flanders Fields BY JOHN McCRAE

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

This cemetery - and the Omaha beach - evoke strong memories and deep emotions - it was very moving to be there and see these two places. Thank you for your comments!

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Though leagues apart from Flanders and in a different time, this poem really is timeless and echoed in the rows of crosses in so many lands - a pointer to the futility of wars and hatred. Thanks for posting this moving poem. Joe

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Yes, you are absolutely correct. I obviously was not there but saw my Dad’s troubles all my life. My Mom would sometimes confide things in me to help me understand his behavior that occurred at different times. This post got me, but I am grateful for it.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent!

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Wish we could let the politicians who incite these wars go fight them instead of our young men and women.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Thank you UTMike.

weberwest Loc: Ferndale WA

Barketh

weberwest, a day of sobering yet beautiful images. Thank you for sharing.