hallowed grounds

(statue to youth rising from the waves - normandy american cemetery)

d-day 1944, a 5000 vessel armada left the british shores, crossed the english channel and over 150,000 men from the allied forces landed of the beaches of france. six parachute regiments - over 13,000 men - were flown in 800 plus planes and dropped behind enemy lines. by nightfall over 9000 allied soldiers were dead or wounded, but the rest made it to shore. the average age of the men was 22. in colleville-sur-mer, normandy is the normandy american cemetery and memorial. in it are 9387 crosses or stars of david, marking graves of american soldiers who died on this day or shortly after. all facing west towards home. the names of 1557 americans who lost their lives in the conflict but could not be located and/or identified are inscribed on walls within the memorial. a father and son were laid side by side as well as 33 pairs of brothers. well over 56 million people, military and civilian, lost their lives as a result of world war II.

mom and i watched a pbs special on the american cemeteries in europe. french and belgian citizens visit these memorials often, giving thanks and homage to those who sacrificed for their and all of our freedom. it is on my bucket list to visit these hallowed grounds. i wish to see the poppies grow and walk among the crosses row on row.

i am told that many of these graves are merely markers. the us government has brought home any soldier who's family wanted them near. sue and steve watched "taking chance" this past memorial day and has urged us all to watch it. it is the story of a young soldier's journey as he accompanies another soldier's body home. i think i will rent it for tomorrow night.

in the meantime i shall continue to love history. i shall continue to love my country. i shall continue to honor those who gave and those who are now giving so much in order to preserve freedoms.