One of my Bucket List To Dos: Normandy

[Onewolf426]

The American Cemetery in Normandy is also a must-visit for every single American who steps foot in Normandy. A wave of emotions will wash over you as you look at the seemingly endless rows of headstones of American patriots.

President Ronald Reagan summed it up perfectly when he said the following:

It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives—the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember.

 

[OldGrunt]

One of these days, after the wife is retired in a few years, I want to do one of those European Viking riverboat cruises. And either before the cruise or after the cruise, make a stop at Normandy myself.

 

[Shibadog]

Amen. And the lives of kids they never had. If going to a place like that doesn’t affect you then there is something wrong with YOU. These young men sacrificed EVERYTHING. I was at a cemetery in Virginia a few years ago. A father and four of five sons all died fighting for the Confederacy-think of the impact on that family? I go and see the huge numbers of unknowns and it gets me. Somebody was mourning for their loved ones never knowing what happened to them. Darn sobering stuff. I was at a VA long term facility in Michigan back in 91 for their 70th anniversary. The FIRST patient admitted was still there-very nice old gentleman who spent his time in the greenhouse. WW1, gassed and “shell shocked”. Could never get past it. He and those like him gave their lives and futures just like those who died. God Bless them all!

 

[bc22wm]

If you can't get to Normandy, or Arlington, there are veteran Cemeteries all over. Maybe make plans for a quick stop and a thank you on Monday, May 25.