We had the opportunity to go to France for a few days last week. We spent two days driving and three days exploring. On our first day of exploring we went to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Words cannot describe how we felt as we toured the visitor center, the cemetery, and the surrounding beaches. We are definitely blessed to have and to have had many brave men and women whom have sacrificed much (if not all) for our freedoms. I'd like to quote a line from one of the films we watched at the visitor center: "These young men gave up their futures to ensure our future". As we visited Normandy we were able to be reminded of and gain a greater appreciation for the many sacrifices that have been made and will continue to be made in our behalf.
Here we are exploring Omaha Beach - one of the beaches where U.S., British, and Canadian troops landed on June 6, 1944:
A few pictures of the cemetery where 9, 387 are buried:
Pictures of the chapel:
The chapel has a beautiful mosaic ceiling that shows America blessing her sons and a grateful France placing a laurel wreath on the American dead:
The Memorial:
The Garden of the Missing - engraved tablets honor the MIAs:
We then drove to the Pointe de Hoc Monument. We walked around this area for a bit. We were able to learn some more history, as I don't remember learning about this particular attack in my history books. There are several original fortifications and lots of bomb craters that have been left untouched. The monument: 
The cliffs the soldiers scaled:
Courtesy of Rachel:
Rachel insisted on Andy taking a picture with her with one foot up:
From Pointe de Hoc we drove to Arromanches. We were able to see the remains of the Mulberry Harbour. A pretty amazing artificial military harbour that was built to help get supplies to the Allied Forces while they were invading France.
Rachel was as happy as a clam playing at the beach. We weren't expecting such warm weather, but enjoyed it nonetheless! :)
Our first day of adventures was definitely a busy one, but well worth the experience. Now on to day two, once I get through all the pictures... :) 
1 comment:
Another amazing, historical trip. What a neat thing to see, it makes me want to break out my history books to freshen up my brain on all that you've seen over there!:) Your girls sure are cute! Audrey is growing fast!!
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