Normandy is a region in the North-Central part of France. The area of Normandy has a varied history. Being first occupied by Celts, who were beaten by the Romans, who then decided to withdraw and leave the area to the Vikings. The Vikings created the fiefdom of Normandy, their leader being named Hrolf Ragnvaldsson, or Rollo. The name "Normandy"(Northman) reflects Rollo's Viking origins. Through patronage, marriage, and time the lands came to be under British rule. In 1259 Henry III of England recognized the legality of French possession of mainland Normandy under the Treaty of Paris, but it was frequently fought over and disputed since that time. Now the area is famous for the D-Day landings of 06 June, 1944
"Omaha" beach- Site of the infamous D-Day invasion
60 years after the invasion the beach looks like any other beach. It is amazing how time fixes all wounds. Hardly any evidence of a battle is to be found save some bunkers, graveyards, and monuments.
Me overlooking the Normandy coast
Normandy American Cemetery marble grave markers near "Omaha" beach
More than ten thousand Allies lost their lives on that beach and half as many Germans. An amazing event for many reasons. The logistics and planning alone are feats worthy of envy.
Normandy American Cemetery Memorial near "Omaha" beach
The names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the Normandy campaign but could not be located and/or identified are inscribed on the walls of a semicircular garden at the east side of the memorial. This part consists of a semicircular colonnade with a loggia at each end containing maps and narratives of the military operations. At the center is a 22-foot bronze statue entitled The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves. Facing west at the memorial, one sees in the foreground the reflecting pool, the mall with burial areas to either side and the circular chapel beyond. Behind the chapel are allegorical figures representing the United States and France. An orientation table overlooks the beach and depicts the landings at Normandy.
Memorial Obelisk overlooking the Normandy coast
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Imagine being a German soldier, or Polish conscript, waking up on that fateful day and looking out at a sea clogged full of American and British warships, and knowing your life is over. Or being on one of those ships looking at the peaceful seaside knowing that you had to first brave a rough sea in a metal coffin, then cross a wide open beach full of Germans who had spent years building up perfect killing fields. My mind can not let me picture such a nightmare.
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Normandy American Cemetery marble grave markers looking over the Normandy coast
There are 9,238 identical white crosses and 149 Stars of David in the Cemetery commemorating the American dead. There are many other cemeteries in the area including Canadian and Polish ones.
Unknown Church in Normandy
Versailles was just a small village when the magnificent Palace was built in 1668. It is now a wealthy suburb of Paris about 20 kilometers Southwest of the city. It serves mostly as a tourist attraction but also provides some governmental functions.
My brother and me at the Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is a gigantic, magical place. Whatever the French people paid for it in coin and blood was worth it. Nowhere I have ever been has as much extravagance, man-made beauty, or feeling as Versailles. The Palaces and gardens of Vienna and St. Petersburg are far and distant behind Versailles.
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Just a tiny section of the Palace of Versailles
How the French ever afforded to construct such a place or even maintain it today is beyond my comprehension, but I am well satisfied that they found a way.
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