We visited several of the World War II Memorials, and many of the more contemporary ones were put in place to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the invasion. This one, placed just at the edge of the tide was really very beautiful.
We made a special trip to the American Cemetery where we took a guided tour with another couple from Britain by an English speaking French woman. The day was beautiful, though cold, and the setting was remarkable. Both Pat and I felt it was not as dramatic as the cemetery in Verdun, but that's likely because of the feeling of complete engulfing that you feel when you drive into Verdun. This cemetery is the home of thousands of Americans, most of whom died within days of each other, and in the waters or sands of the very beach they look out over.
Our last stop on this windy cold, but sunny day, brought us to this park called Pont du Hoc. If you go to Normandy, don't miss it. The 60-70 year old men who were walking around silently, clearly struggling, told the story that no sign needed to tell. All the war memorials in the world won't stun you like this place. This is not memorial, but a lesson. It is preserved as it was the day of the bombings. The craters that you see as you walk along the grassy cliff are from the shells that landed on the beach as the Allies bombed what was known to be a German stronghold, where a powerful anti aircraft gun was entrenched. The bunkers, the concrete and rebar are still there. I had a strong sense that the fear felt by all those young men, regardless of nationality, was still there, too.
Jumiege -- It somehow seemed appropriate to place this photo in with the WWII Memorial Photos. Maybe because of the powerful spiritualness I felt in all of these places.
The last day of this four day excursion was a short day with a little deviation because the Green Guide for Normandy told us not to miss this! They were referring to the Abbey of Jumiege, built over a several hundred year period, starting a little after William the Conqueror took over England (1066). It was described as France's Most Beautiful Ruins, and it was truly amazing. The cold windy day with the ever changing sky created this really surreal back drop, great for photos.
The birds were everywhere, trying to find the warmest rocks in the old window ledges and the shadows were eerie. The faces that had been carved centuries ago looked down on us as we walked through the ruins. If felt peaceful, but alive.
