"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
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