We were able to visit for 3 days before the official ceremonies commenced at the D-Day beaches and venues. Although we did not have tickets to the commemoration with the 18 heads of state, we were able to see many veterans from a variety of nations collect throughout the entire region for different events. The statute below from Omaha Beach tells it all - the sacrifice of those injured and those who pressed on under withering fire from above.
Our hotel, La Cheneviere, was right in the heart of the region - an old chateau (aren't they all) with an acclaimed gourmet restaurant. However, this post is not about food presentations, so on with our experiences. Many US government officials stayed at our hotel, as well as some vehicle collectors.
This authentic jeep was made by Dodge in 1943
This one was set up with a coke bottle on the dashboard on the left side and a cross in the middle of the dash
This is the back seat with a leather bench and a pulldown table for spreading maps
There were many tent encampments of various military regiments or units - sort of a reunion for each group
Weaponry
Sculpture of a parachutist
Perhaps you have heard the story of John Steele who parachuted right onto the steeple of the church at St. Mère Eglise. It was good to learn he escaped and even came back years later to revisit the site. Below is a magnificent stained glass window in the church with paratroopers landing all around the Madonna
Above is a mannequin representing John Steele
This window has the archangel St. Michael with all the paratroopers unit insignia surrounding
Ron had a long conversation with Airman Riveria. We learned the 101st Airborne symbol is the Screaming Eagle, and the 82nd Airborne symbol is a double A for All American. The 82nd calls the 101st the Screaming Chicken, and the 101st calls the double A "Almost American." Guess a little good humor never hurts competition which still exists between these bands of brothers.
Veterans and others impersonating D-Day personnel
We stopped into a diner for lunch, and hanging from the ceiling is a paratrooper permanently installed
Collectors assembling vehicles from the era on the beach
Our guide Mag Masse
The sailors monument. Ron's father was stationed in the Pacific on the aircraft carrier the Intrepid (now a museum in NY) which was kamakazed while he was on it.
Memorial at Pointe du Hoc - Ronald Reagan commemorated their heroics in his "Boys of Pointe du Hoc" speech in 1984 - hard to believe that was 30 years ago
Collectors' motorcycles
Memorial to Dick Winters portrayed in "Band of Brothers"
Throughout the region, Allies flags flown in public and private spaces
Everywhere are postings like these below to tell individual deeds
Old police car
Nazi cyanide pill and capsule
Our current paratroopers at Pointe du Hoc. They are outstanding young men who are incredibly polite.
We had the joy and privilege of treating some of them to lunch for which they were so grateful. Naturally, we felt THEY were the ones deserving of appreciation. Later we watched as they did parachute jumps with French forces. Most impressive.
Lastly, the flags below represent the unity of France with its liberators posted on a private home. Amazingly, although 20,000 French civilians were killed in the Allied bombing of Normandy, they seem to harbor no resentment at all. Instead they tell the actual veterans of D-Day, "You are our rock stars."
