Remembrance Day has held a special place in my heart since I was a young child. My grandfathers both fought in WWII on the Western and Eastern fronts. While both were injured, they returned home to Canada and their families. I got to meet only one and spent my whole childhood wondering why he limped, why he was so quiet and why he wore hearing aids. I knew that he had fought in the war, but it wasn’t until I was much older that I realized all that he had endured and how that had changed him.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit Normandy, France and while I was struck by the beauty of the region and the rich history long before the Allies invaded on June 6th, 1944, like most travellers I was drawn to the Beaches of Normandy and the sites were the battles took place.
I was struck by the sheer openness of the beaches and the vulnerability of the Allied troops attempting to take the beach. From my standpoint I couldn’t imagine how anyone could conceive that this was a battle that could be won. It was a remarkable feat that came with heavy losses but it was an instrumental battle and a turning point of World War II.
The Axis powers had the advantage at Normandy. Placed on a bluff above the beach, all incoming forces from air, sea and land could be seen long before they were on the offensive. The Allies needed to have an element of surprise that was created through a number of decoy missions, poor weather and sheer force of men allowed for a successful raid. The Canadian, British and America troops launched an offensive that was not defeated. Further reading on D-Day.
The Canadians who died during D-Day and the lead up to D-Day are buried at Beny-Sur-Mer in Reviers, France. Their tombstones shine brightly in the sun and the meticulous grounds of the cemetary are a tribute to those who are laid to rest there. Each headstone recognizing the soldier who gave his life. It is a humbling site.
My experience visiting Normandy was unlike anything I could have imagined. After years of studying Canadian History and the many facets of Canada’s contributions to the world I was always struck by our important place in this mission, the sheer courage of the men who fought there and the legacy they left behind. On this Remembrance Day and everyday I feel thankful and blessed.
The 70th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy will be honoured from June 5 – August 21, 2014 – for more information visit the 70th website.
For tourist information visit the Normandy Tourism website.
*Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions, as always are my own.
Kerrie: what a great trip! So memorable and powerful!
Paula schuck recently posted..Best Christmas Gifts for Girls #TMMGG13
Yes, a truly remarkable experience
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Remembering the Beaches of Normandy
Wow! I bet visiting there was a real moving experience,. We have all heard of Normandy, but I never imagined it was like this. Thank you for posting
Gingermommy recently posted..Canada Friendly Giveaway Linky
What an amazing experience! I was in France recently and didn’t make it on this tour, as a Canadian I feel bad about that but I will be sure to go back to experience this. Thanks for sharing with us!
What a lovely post. I have to admit the first time I saw the beaches at Normandy I was struck with the madness of what had happened. Those beaches are so long, the approach so open and vulnerable. Those soldiers were incredibly brave to take this on. We stand here today honouring their efforts.
I read this just as 11 am came around. Thanks for reminding me to stop. pause. pay respect.
Lovely post!
Margarita Ibbott ~ @DownshiftingPRO recently posted..What Are You Doing This Week {Linky}
I have heard those places make a huge impression when you visit – it’s a big part of our Canadian history.
Dani @ lifeovereasy recently posted..Canadian Wunderkids – Lennon and Maisy Stella Do Nashville
I would love to visit here, I have heard its a place that you will never forget
Terri recently posted..Weekend Recap
I visited Normandy back in 1998, and what an emotional experience. My grandfather also fought in WWII, but I don’t believe he was ever in France. You took some beautiful photos!
Thank you for sharing this amazing story! It is hard believe that people we loved could have fought in such horrible wars. They are almost fiction to us. I am ever grateful for all they did so that we can live the lives we live now!
Jenn recently posted..Buying for the “hard to buy for” person made easy with Ornaments With Love
Wow they are really neat looking. I bet it was a very fun trip.
Sounds like a great place to visit. Maybe I will have to pay them a visit soon. I do love the beach and history! :)
Amberlee Cave recently posted..The Park Tote Pet Carrier Review
What a powerful experience. These pictures look amazing.
Natalie recently posted..Boring Weekend FTW
What a truly amazing experience!
Bridget A recently posted..Veterans Day: A Letter of Thanks to a Veteran – Dear Grandpa!
I love visiting new places :)
Betzy Carmona recently posted..$100 Sephora Gift Card Giveaway !
The place is an incredible sight worth seeing regardless of its historical background. I like the white sand and the vastness. Must be a wonderful experience visiting the place. Good to know some facts about the place, thanks for sharing.
Sheila recently posted..Google™ Nexus 7 Tablet 16GB for Back-to-School Tablet {review}
What a lovely post for our Vets!
katherine bartlett recently posted..My Doll House App is Fun for Girls
I would love to do the same thing myself some day, especially with hubbie and my two boys.
sharon martin recently posted..BOOK TOUR Where Petals Fall by Melissa Foster
Looks like a great place to visit and a wonderful post for the day!
Ellen Christian recently posted..Mango Twitter Party November 12 at 1PM EST
What beautiful pictures and what a wonderful opportunity to have visited the beach of Normandy. It’s so strange how so beautiful a place could be marred with so harsh a battle.
Rita VonCoupon recently posted..Blogember: November 11 – 3 albums you would take in a deserted island
I haven’t visited Normandy yet but I plan too. I agree that places like this really leave a lasting impression on you. It is amazing how history really impacts you when you see where things happened.
Melinda Dunne recently posted..2nd Annual Apple Festival Giveaway 11/30
Wow, beautiful and so raw for me to relive my own visit to Normandy back in college. I remember feeling so numb, as if time stood still as I look around and imagined the bravery and sheer horror of that time in history. Thank you for sharing your experience with so many.
I had the chance to visit Normandy last year in August, it was amazing, and very thought provoking. To think that thousands had died here all in the name of freedom was not only mind boggling, but very sad indeed. It’s one trip I won’t soon forget.
It is a remarkable experience I was mesmerized by the beauty of this beach that saw so much horror.
I’ve travelled to Normandy whilst living in Europe and it is a remarkable experience that makes you feel proud and sad that so many gave their lives on those beaches and in the sea. The cemeteries for our fallen heroes are impressive and brought tears to my eyes whilst looking at all the proud headstones standing erect under the blue sky. Some were so young and it’s heartbreaking that they died.
I visited it some years back
Thanks for sharing your experiences on your trip to Normandy. Your post really hit home. My mom’s 2 brothers fought in WWII. Her oldest brother fought in Europe and made it home, but her other brother’s plane was shot down near Japan and he was killed. My dad’s plane was shot down over Germany on 9/11/44. He was captured by the Germans and was a prisoner of war at Stalag Luftwaffe 13 for 11 months until they went on a forced march through the snow and the coldest winter in 50 years until he was liberated by the Allies. He weighed less than 100 lbs and had weighed 220 at the time he was captured. My dad died 10 years ago and I miss him so much. Thanks again for sharing.
Wow Deborah – what a powerful story and experience for him and for your family to know. I am happy that this story brought back these memories but sorry they had such a sad outcome. I really feel it’s so important to keep these stories alive and keep sharing them.