In early June, I had the privilege of touring northern France with my husband for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Ken performed with the Holland American Legion Band at Normandy’s historic battle sites while I absorbed the rich history of the region . . . for a future book, perhaps?
It’s impossible to put into words the emotions I felt as we remembered the courageous men who landed on the beaches of Normandy in June of 1944. These brave young soldiers faced enormous obstacles as they fought to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression. Here are the beaches where they came ashore on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
And one of the many Nazi guns that fired down on them.
We laid wreaths on the graves of local soldiers from Michigan who died in Normandy. The banners read, “You Are Not Forgotten.” I pray that the generations to follow will also remember.
As I read the dates on the gravestones, I was struck by how young these brave, fallen men had been. The sight of SO many graves brought tears to my eyes.
Ken had the honor of playing “Taps” during a concert in the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.
One of the most touching experiences for me was shaking hands with elderly veterans of D-Day, bent with age but still standing tall, their withered chests heavy with medals. “Thank you,” couldn’t begin to convey my gratitude for their courage and sacrifice.
The band performed a concert one evening in the village of St. Lo, in the square in front of the 13th century l’Eglise Notre Dame. The church was severely damaged during the war, losing one of its twin spires, but it was left unrepaired as a monument to the price of freedom. The spring evening was warm, and people of all ages filled the square to hear the band play. They rose to their feet, cheering and singing along as the band played the French National anthem. They cheered just as hard for the American anthem. Then a hush fell over the crowd as a haunting melody began to play. The tune started very softly, built to a proud crescendo, then ended as softly as it began. I saw tears in many eyes as everyone hummed along. I later learned that it was the Chant des Partisans—the song of the French Resistance, sung during the war each time a resistance fighter died.
We spent a day at the D-Day festival in the village of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, along with thousands of other people and groups of WWII re-enactors. They wore U.S. Army uniforms, camped in vintage tents, and drove around in period Army Jeeps. WWII era planes flew overhead.
A life-sized dummy still hangs from the church steeple by a parachute to commemorate paratrooper John Steele who landed in the dark on D-Day and got caught on the steeple.
The band played at the “Liberty Banquet” that evening, performing for more than 1300 guests and military personnel from dozens of nations.
Normandy left me with a deep sense of the high price of war. I pray that one day all warfare on earth will end. Yet whenever tyranny and oppression and injustice arise, I’m profoundly grateful for the courageous men and women who are willing to risk their lives for our freedom. Have you thanked a veteran lately?
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Your post moves me to tears, Lynn. Beautiful. My hope is that we are all united under His kingdom in peace before the last of that incredible generation passes away.
And I want to know what happened to John Steele. I need to know!
Lori, the Germans eventually “rescued” him and took him prisoner. He later escaped and rejoined his fellow soldiers. He survived the war and came back to St-Mere-Eglise several times over the years for the D-Day anniversaries. He died in 1969 but his family members are honorary citizens and still come for the celebrations.
Lynn, now I know “the rest of the story.” 🙂 Thanks.
Me too, Lynn. Tears. I would so love for my husband to be able to make this same trip. He is a WWII aficionado and always celebrated D-Day and Normandy in his own ways. Like you, we don’t ever want to forget the high price that has been paid for our freedom. We are so very grateful for those who have been willing to sacrifice so much, even their very lives.
I hope you and Ken get to go to Normandy someday. It’s like stepping into the past, and the museums and memorials are so well done. The local French people are so kind and welcoming.
Lynn ! Your post is so timely as we are currently in the UK celebrating the RAF 70th anniversary reunion of Pete’s Dad’s Squadron 550 ( Lancasters.
Like yourself, I felt very moved as we paid tribute to our fine countrymen who fought so valiantly, to give us our freedom.
At the Memorial Service at North Killingholme last Saturday, Pete laid the wreath from Australia. I felt very emotional as I watched and videoed the significance of this occasion with tears streaming down my face. Pete’s Dad would have been so proud to think his Son cared so much for the trauma ,hardship and finally the victory that was achieved.
The Lancaster flew overhead three times, as a salute to the Veterans.
Pete’s special moment came, when the Flight Commander (aged 94) shook Pete by the hand and paid tribute to Pete’s Dad and his fellow countrymen…a very emotional moment for them both!
There was also the lighter aspect of the weekend as far as the camaraderie of those who attended and many stories were exchanged .
This is one precious memory that will stay with us always. .
Thank you for an inspiring and beautiful post Lynn,…it means so much at this particular time in
our lives.
Rosie
Oh, Rosie! I can easily imagine how life-changing that trip must have been for you and your husband. How wonderful that he could honor his father that way. I’m so glad that you had the chance to make that trip. Truly unforgettable.
Thanks, Lynn! Such a thoughtful and inspiring post.
I was able to visit the beaches of D Day when I was a child and I still remember how MANY white crosses there were in the cemetary. How wonderful that you and your husband were able to participate in the the memorial ceremonies.
That’s what struck me, too, Becky. Way too many crosses! What a high price for freedoms we too often take for granted.
Such a moving post, Lynn….thank you for sharing with us. I, too, had tears and chills reading this—and thinking about all the brave men and women who served there. I’m especially glad you were able to meet some of the elderly Veterans—what an honor to shake their hands! The music sounds very moving too. How special that your husband participated–he must be very talented!
Waving at our precious Rosie!! 🙂 What a wonderful moment for Pete as his Dad was honored—also gives me chills!
Safe travels, Rosie and Pete.
Lynn, thank you again for this post. In our country today, we must never forget what others have done so we can enjoy our freedom.
Hugs, Patti Jo
So true, Patti Jo. We should never forget. Memorial Day shouldn’t just be a day off of work to have a picnic.
What a beautifully written post. Every time I read something by you, I am immediately transported wherever you are writing about. Since I can’t travel because of my disability, I enjoy being able to take journeys through your writing!
I waa moved by the stories of the veterans as I have several friends who are vets from various wars. Not only were a lot of our men lost there, but I am also reminded of the thousands of Jews that were slaughtered.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was also slaughtered for our eternal freedom! One more war must be faught for the end of all evil and our eternal freedom. No more war! No more evil! No more death!
Thank you Lynn for helping us, me, to take these journeys with you! You are truly anointed!
Your prayer warrior,
Linda Uhls