Paris

This past weekend we (the three generations of Bleichers) flew to Paris, France for 4 wonderful nights. Despite the two hour flight taking nearly 9 hours, we arrived safe, albeit tired, on Thursday night. On Friday morning we wasted no time getting out and about. We were watching dad play with the kids in a playground at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Whether it be roaming along the beautiful Champs-Elysees or touring some of the amazing museums, we had a blast!

Here are some pictures from our trip...

Notre Dame (no relation to the 2nd rate trade school in Indiana that Navy beat in 2007 by a score of 46-44).

Ethan about to depart on his first pony ride. As you can see, not only was it the last pony (in the line of about 8), but it was also the shortest pony too.

Ethan knows what he wants!

Allison and Ethan waiting their turn for the carousel - why can't they always be this sweet to each other?!

Dad playing with Ethan in a park at the base of the Eiffel Tower (in the background).

Us out and about on the Champs-Elysees.

Some random tower.

The American Cemetery at Normandy

"This embattled shore, portal of freedom, is forever hallowed by the ideals, the valor, and the sacrifices of our fellow countrymen."

So reads the inscription at the monument overlooking the 9,387 Crosses and Stars of David at what is the final resting place for so many American soldiers who gave their lives on D-Day and the days, weeks, and months following the landing.

On Saturday, July 4th, dad and I headed out from Paris to do a tour of the beaches at Normandy. The cemetery was naturally the most moving part of the day. As you walk around the acres of land all you hear is the wind. In the distance, below the cliffs is a wide expanse of coastline referred to as Omaha Beach. It is one thing to see the cemetery on TV shows or movies (such as Saving Private Ryan), but to be there is an emotional experience. It is amazing to think that so many ordinary people gave their lives while mustering so much courage and heroism to push back the evil that was Nazi Germany.

The inscriptions on all of the Crosses and Stars of David simply state the name, rank, unit, and home town of the soldier, sailor, or airman. These inscriptions all face west, pointing towards the United States. Many graves hold the bodies of unknown soldiers.

Omaha Beach days after it was taken by Allied forces in June, 1944.

Omaha Beach today

The Cross of General Roosevelt. Click here to read his incredible story.