May 3, 2025

OMAHA BEACH

This is how it started:

“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In the company of our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring upon the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed people of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander-in-Chief, Allied Expeditionary Force.

Now nearly 81 years since the event commonly referred to as D-Day, over 1 million visitors pay their respects each year.

It was June 6, 1944, when 160,000 Allied soldiers assaulted a 50 mile stretch of the Normandy coast of France, launching a pivotal effort against Nazi Germany. It was not just American soldiers who died, but throughout Normandy there are reminders of the British and Canadian soldiers who lost their lives.

None are as sobering as the Normandy American Cemetary where 9,988 American soldiers are buried. The average age 23 years old.

On site is the Normandy American Memorial Musuem where I captured compelling images reminding us of the tragedy of war.

We were fortunate to be in Normandy on May 3rd as preparations were being made for the 81st anniversary of D-Day on May 6th when the memorial is only open to dignitaries by invitation.

You often hear the expression “they fought for our freedom” but that saying takes on much greater meaning once you visit Normandy. For the rest of the day, I contemplated what our world may have been like if it were not for those brave young men who fought and gave their lives for the freedom I experience today. Not only for me but for future generations like the 2 young girls who caught my attention.

Thanks for traveling with us.