Sculpture in front of the Juno Beach Canadian War Museum.The Normandy beaches stretch for about 75 miles along the Atlantic coastline, many of them still bearing the remains and reminders of World War II. This place is a history buff's dream come true. Especially a war history buff.
Joe and I spent a full day visiting each of the D-Day (Jour J in French) beaches and were moved to tears many times. It is truly humbling to be in the place where so many young men lost their lives for our freedom. Their sacrifices really hit home when you are standing in the exact place where so many thousands of Canadians died.
We also visited the Canadian Cemetery. I picked a small bouquet of wildflowers at the side of the road and Joe laid them at the base of a monument in the centre of the cemetery. As we walked around the grounds reading the names and ages of the fallen soldiers, we were so touched to see many of the gravestones bearing Canadian coins. Joe quickly rummaged through his pockets to see if he had any Canadian coins to lay on the gravestones, but unfortunately he had left them all back at our apartment in Paris.
It is heartening to see the beaches 65 years later now full of families sun-bathing, swimming and having picnics. Just the way it should be. Thanks to the brave men and women of WWII.
"Just the way it should be. Thanks to the brave men and women of WWII"
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. Many thanks to them.