Second Day – Pont du Hok, Omaha Beach, Bayeux

This was the view we had heading to our bus on our second morning in Normandy. I thought it was unusual to see a palm tree and yucca plant, but we learned that the climate is so mild there that it supports these species of plants.

The landscape of Normandy reminded us so much of Wisconsin. Beautiful pastures with herds of cattle and horses were sprinkled among the famous hedges, old homes and buildings, cathedrals and chapels and fields of corn and wheat.

As we listened to our guides sharing about how these fields were flooded and covered with mines, how the roads were surrounded by hidden guns and tanks, how the villagers were forced to house German soldiers and their men were shipped off to work camps for the Nazi’s it was a lot to take in.

This was the most emotional day for us and I will only touch the tip of the iceberg of our experience. Here are some photos and thoughts:

As we drove to our destination, our guide pointed out the photos attached to light poles that we were passing. Over four miles of road hold so many of these. Think of how close light poles are along a road and imagine everyone for four miles bearing the image of a soldier who died on D Day.

Along the road ways and in every village there are memorials to individuals or troops honoring what they did to bring freedom to this country. I can’t stop saying how humbling their gratitude is.

Our first stop was Pointe du Hoc, a steep cliff point between Utah and Omaha Beach. This was the area where 225 Rangers attempted to take out the German guns that would be protecting Omaha Beach in advance of the landing.

Air patrols had dropped so many bombs trying to destroy the German bunkers and guns along the shore.

The indentations from the mortars still dimple the landscape. Not a single bunker or gun was damaged by the efforts to prepare the way for these Rangers.

They faced a horrendous battle and only 75 were fit to fight after making their ascent up to the area where the German guns were.

The Germans had actually moved their guns back which meant they had to fight their way back to where the guns were moved. The paratroopers from yesterday had regrouped and were working their way across the back side of things to destroy the guns.

These bunkers were expertly engineered with strength and protection.

This was a lookout bunker right at the top of the cliff. The ways the Germans engineered these is fascinating and the only flaws were actually sabotaged workmanship by the French who were forced to build them. Some collapsed or were put together in structurually unsound ways. Again the French Resistance working behind the scenes helped the allies as they moved forward.

We were able to climb down in one of the bunkers. I really don’t have words.

Our guide told us that the point itself is eroding away. Foot traffic across the rim and the ocean and time are wearing back the place where these soldiers advanced. I think God would tell us something there if we would listen.

There were five roads from the beaches that led inland and this was where the troops who landed were headed. These roads had to be won in order to begin liberating France first and then the rest of Europe.

Our next stop was Omaha Beach.

This was the most moving for us as it is the one we all have seen more images depicting. It is a place of remembrance but also a place where people are encouraged to enjoy a beach as any of us would enjoy visiting the shore. It took awhile, according to our guide, but finally people wanted it to be a place where heroes were honored and families and friends could celebrate joy and life.

Before the war, it was a vacation destination just as our beaches are here. Russ and I spent some time just sitting along it and absorbing what it was and what it had been.

We all collected sand to bring home in a little jar, just like we do at other beaches.

We sat and remembered the men who had come in droves and died, or were wounded, or made it up the cliff and pressed on.

This memorial was crafted to express the wings of hope, a reminder for us to always rise up and stand against inhumanity and a tribute to the brotherhood of the soldiers who looked out for one another.

This famous statue certainly captures the bravery and camaraderie of the soldiers who served in WW 2. As he runs across the beach, he carried his wounded brother. Our guide wanted us to know that the sculptor of this memorial included a wedding band on the hand holding the wounded brother. A reminder that these men sacrificed much to serve.

We had our lunch break here on Omaha Beach and ate at this little cafe:

Again it was surreal to sit and share a meal on a sunny day, knowing what this little village had been through. As we left we saw this mural painted on the side of the restaurant:

Have I mentioned their gratitude and remembrance is humbling?

After Omaha Beach we had time to visit this museum:

The displays and information were so helpful in piecing together the various aspects of D Day. Having read Band of Brothers, which focuses on the companies that parachuted in and later joined the ground forces, I was ignorant of all the parts of this that had to work together.

The value of using the Beaches of Normandy tour company was their knowledge of the area and history, access to local guides, selection of best museums and everything is included in the price of the trip.

Our last stop was the American National Cemetery.

Our local guide, Sean, shared enough information about the cemetery, the history and individuals to fill a book.

This ring of names represents every soldier who has not been located. When and if the body is recovered, a rosette is placed by the name. It was a huge wall. So incredibly moving.

After a little time to refresh back at the hotel, we were back on the bus for dinner in Bayeux.

No, we did not see the Bayeux tapestry. But we did get to see the Bayeux Cathedral.

Built in 1100, it was absolutely breathtaking. Thankfully this city was spared destruction.

I know I have left out a thousand important details. I certainly have a list of books I would like to read and I have looked at freedom a bit differently since our return. Our country was not even a thought when this cathedral was built. Learning about this area of the world and its history, seeing what was accomplished centuries before makes me wonder if we are really as smart as we think we are ….

and in the end….the tide can wash it all away one wave at a time…

Even as I speak of beaches and tides, of devastations that take lives and bring destruction, I am deeply mindful this morning of our friends who reside in Florida. As they chart the course of another hurricane with forecasted destruction coming, I turn my eyes to the One who calms waves and holds His creation in His hand.

As we heard consistently of the joy of liberation from oppression, I could not help to continue to think of the only freedom that is eternal and is found in Christ our Lord. He gave His all for all of us. He laid down His life for us.

I hope you will join me in asking Him to dissipate the storm headed towards the southern states and to move it out to sea. Pray for the protection and for the efforts being made to safeguard homes and people. Thank you <3