Independence Day - from Normandy

One of the main reasons to end our trip in France after leaving Spain was to stop for a day of reflection at Normandy.  On this day, as we celebrate our nation's Independence and our freedoms, we remember those who gave so much for the way we live, especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

In the center of the cemetery there is a chapel, and on the wall of the chapel are inscribed the words, "Think not only about their passing, remember the glory of their spirit."

9,387 US soldiers lie in graves at the US cemetery in Normandy.

The North Sea at Point du Hoc

Color at Point du Hoc

Craters from US warship artillery at Point du Hoc

More craters from US artillery

Barbed wire at the top of the cliffs at Point du Hoc

Shelled bunker at Point du Hoc

View from inside a bunker

Point du Hoc and the English Channel

Looking down the cliffs at Point du Hoc

Memorial at Omaha Beach

Memorial at Omaha Beach

The Stars and Stripes flying with Allied colors at Omaha beach

"To those we owe the high resolve, that the cause for which they die shall live"

The US Cemetery at Normandy

Memorial at the US cemetery at Normandy

The Canadian armed forces took Juno beach.  They are memorialized at that location.

Canadian memorial at Juno beach

Canadian Memorial at Juno beach