SURREAL
On June 6, 1944, something unimaginable happened. As I walked Omaha Beach, it was too hard not to think about what resonated over the skies. The terrible outcome of that day marked a momentous chapter for mankind; it was the invasion of Normandy, otherwise known as Operation Neptune, but the rest of the world knows it as D-DAY.
We visited the beaches for 4 days. This was enough time to target the monuments we were most interested in viewing. We found a place to stay in Asnelles. Our chalet at Les Tourelles was right by the shores, next to Arromanches or Arromanches-les-Bains. Here in Asnelles, you can see a couple of the phoenixes (caissons) remains used for the artificial Mulberry Harbour built at Gold Beach. There was one built at Omaha Beach but that one got destroyed shortly afterwards due to a severe storm. The best ones are the ones located in Arromanches.
The American Cemetery at Omaha Beach
The following day, we visited the American Cemetery which is located on a hill overlooking the English Channel off the coast of Omaha Beach. The cemetery is located here due to its proximity to its original temporary burial site that the soldiers created for those that died on D-Day. Impressive views from the cemetery overlooking at the English Channel gave me an eerie feeling. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Lots of tourists; they were mainly Germans. I did see a great amount of locals visiting the cemetery. A group of French school kids touring the cemetery passed by me. You know, Americans fought and died for their freedom. I do wonder. If places were reversal, would the French have done the same for us? I couldn’t stop shaking the thought. I like to believe is a yes.
Pointe Du Hoc
Our next stop was the famous Pointe du Hoc. Imagine so, trying to overtake the cliff that is full of German bunkers, full of artillery and machine guns, firing constantly at you, you’re under heavy attacks, trying to survive while completing the task at hand. What a gruesome reality the Ranger Assault Group underwent on that day of June 6. Despite this inherently defensibility, the promontory that once belonged to the Germans, got successfully conquered by the Americans! These soldiers were able to hook the grapnel(s) and used the rope(s) to climb up the cliff, take over their observation post, destroy their heavy machine guns, fight the Germans and claim victory of Pointe du Hoc for the Allies. The commander in charge of this arduous task was none other than an AGGIE, (provisional) Lt. Col. James Earl Rudder. WHOOP! Couldn’t help it! So much Aggie pride.
A Bunker Unit
A Machine Pit
The Observation Post
What’s left to do now is to revisit the scenes, the monuments, and reflect on life. I pray that our generation and the ones to follow do not have to endure another World War.
Our last wish during our visit to the beaches was to just walk Omaha Beach. It was calm, beautiful, and full of tourists enjoying their walk, the breeze and the quietness that reside in these waters.
If you’re interested in learning more about WWII, there are many documentaries to choose from. BUT, if you asked me, I would watch the film The Longest Day. It’s an all star cast film in black and white depicting significant events during D-Day, including the parachuters landing at Sainte-Mère-Église, securing Pegasus Bridge, and the overtaking Pointe du Hoc. Watch it. Here’s the trailer…
