If you've never been there, this is a bucket list item

I did the street view from the beach and that looks like one hell of a trek to safety. I can't even imagine what that was like and am I glad that I may never have to.

It is an absolutely amazing experience. Crazy thing is in Paris The French are absolute shite to Americans but in Normandy they are so welcoming and nice. It was fantastic.

The cemetery is so moving. Our tour guide also took us to the German cemetery there. They had so many dead they buried 2 per grave.

There are many French people who still have the cultural memory of those days and are friendly and grateful for Americans.

The cemetery is a must see in my opinion if you ever get the chance. There is a really great little museum when you arrive at the visitors center before you go out to the actual cemetery. It really helps you to get in the proper mindset and perspective about what you are about to experience. I was moved beyond words there.

“Every day I think about what you said to me that day on the bridge. I tried to live my life the best that I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that, at least in your eyes, I've earned what all of you have done for me.”

That is on my bucket list, but in conjunction with a trip like this:

Band of Brothers Tour

quote:

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French are absolute shite to Americans

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Been to Paris nearly a dozen times and this isnt true. I have encountered large groups of obnoxious US teens on tour during summer though and wanted to tell them to STFU they're embracing themselves and our country.

Normandy is definitely more warm and welcoming than the big city though and overtly pro American.

Ive been to German cemeteries with 4 or more names to a cross, two or more each side front and back. But nothing compares to the massive piles of bones under the WW1
Douaumont Ossuary approx 130k unidentified French and German remains. Horrific, yet didnt stop them from starting another world war just 2 decades later.
We are naive if we think it can never happen again and ought to keep the memory of those that sacrificed alive to warn us of what could be if they hadnt or if we dont remain vigilant.

I’ve been there as well. There are still German bunkers you can go into that overlook the beach. Just a small slot for machine gun barrels. It was so eerie thinking of what occurred where I was standing. We overtook and persevered with sheer numbers. The cemetery’s seemingly endless crosses were sobering and humbling. So many gave their lives. The current younger generations have no clue what they should be thankful for.

off subject but just got back from visiting an old fighter pilot buddy that is an ex-POW from Vietnam, those dudes are a dying breed also and will be lost treasures soon, some of the highest caliber humans I've ever had the honor of being around

I was there in 2021. The tide was out and I was able to walk pretty far out, about 300 yards, and take it all in from from the point of view of those soldiers.

It was overwhelming. I’ve never been more proud to be an American but I also felt ashamed that I had never really appreciated what they had done there. And that so much of what I have and take for granted , I have because of those kid soldiers.

Everyone should go at some point in their life. It changes you.

God Bless them all.