Michael, whose whole family is very dear to me, occasionally contributes a thoughtful comment here and this time brought me to tears with this Comment of the Day, his D-Day-inspired remembrances of his visits to Normandy. Those are some of his photos above: EA is honored to post both them and the post they represent.
***
Went to the beaches, yet again (been many times and always took guests who visited when we lived in France). I remain impressed by the outpouring of positive feelings from the residents of Normandy.
Although generations change, the memories are kept alive in the families. That is, no doubt, why the headstones at the American Cemetery have American and French flags planted by volunteers from the region.
On one excursion, 13 years ago, Maureen and I encountered the Mad Piper, Bill Millen (watch “The Longest Day” or just Google him) about a year before he died. He was being honored at the American Cemetery even though he was a Canadian who was the personal piper to the Scottish Lord Lovett. “Pipe is ashore, Billy,” said Lord Lovett. “Can’t sir, it’s against regulations.” “Those are British regulations; we’re Scots. Pipe is ashore.” Don’t know if that story is true, but the scene of the “Mad Piper” piping Lord Lovett across Pegasus Bridge under German fire is.
The museum at the American Cemetery is wonderful. The Canadian and British cemeteries are moving in different ways, as they were allowed one-liners on the headstones of their loved ones. The nearby very somber (by design) German cemetery is moving in its own way, dedicated to the mothers of young German soldiers, sometimes several of whom (soldiers, not mothers) buried under a single ground-level marker. Go to Arromanche and its marvelous — if a bit quirky — museum of the building of the artificial harbor that made continuation of the progress into France possible, with a working model of the harbor built by the Scottish engineering company that designed the real one. Visit the 360degree museum above Arromanche, with modern pastoral film juxtaposed on film of tanks going through orchards. Once when we visited that museum there was a German grandfather with his grandchildren, saying “I was right there.”
Pointe de Hoc is a must-visit, as is Ste Mere Eglise (a little touristy but still quaint, and the Paratrooper museum is there.). Quaff a cidre with lunch. Top off your dinner with Calvados. Enjoy the many cheeses. All products of Normandy.
Finally, a true story from the 50th anniversary in 1994. As returning GIs got off the planes in Cherbourg, they were greeted by a local farmer whom they took to be part of the welcome committee. He asked each GI if they had all their arrangements made. Each said yes, until one former sergeant said that he had decided at the last minute and had not made arrangements for hotel. The farmer said “Then you will stay at my home. I have been waiting 50 years to thank you.”
I love revisiting the history of Operation Overlord, meeting the people of Normandy, learning the rich history of the region (visit the Bayeux Tapistry, a 100-yard stitched graphic novel of William the Conqueror, made shortly after he became king of England and remained Duke of Normandy). Then return home with a deeper appreciation of what it took for Operation Overlord to succeed, and fully steeped in history, beauty, and Calvados.
Ethics Alarms 
A tradition I was unaware of. Very poignant.
Wow! Thanks Zoomie 77. I learned something I’d did not know, and I have paid great attention to the customs and ceremonies. Who’d’ r thought a Zoomie 77 could teach a Zoomie 69 something new.
Not me. You’re very welcome, sir.
This is quite wonderful, Michael.
Illuminating. Great COTD. The Battle of the Bulge changed my uncle in not so good ways (he became very reserved) and my grandfather fought in to secure Anzio.
What is striking is that the Europeans put greater value on the sacrifices made to secure their freedom and national sovereignty than most Americans. Even the graves of the enemy are protected from desecration unlike what so many do to confederate graves in the US. Maybe it takes a war on one’s own shore, with all its destruction to instill I people what sacrifice really is.
Went to 70th anniversary of Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, with Red Andrews, who was wounded there. The GIs were treated like rock stars by the populace. The King and Queen of Belgium spent time talking to each GI. The Obama Administration sent a second-or-third tier Pentagon representative. Embarrassing. Five years later, for the 75th anniversary, the wreath at the memorial was to be placed by the granddaughter of General (“nuts”) McAuliffe. But did she? No. Nancy Pelosi insisted on doing it. Not well received by many veterans who were there.
My wife was a fundraising consultant for the Battle of the Bulge Foundation, and my dad, who was decorated for his part in that battle, went to the annual gathering of veterans of the BOTB at Arlington every December. The year before he died, he announced that it was his last year going: the group had dwindled to just a handful, and my father said it was too depressing.
I have been fortunate to have been able to pay homage to the fallen at the American Cemetery twice. I am also one of the lucky visitors to tour Normandy and the American Cemetery with Michael and his lovely wife Maureen. Michael’s knowledge of the region and his in-depth knowledge of D-Day made my time there most memorable. A visit to the beaches and the cemetery is indeed somber and humbling. Always remember and always honor the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy.
And your sister, Maureen, knows even more if the details of Operation Overlord than do I. We also enjoyed (with you and Guy de Rouxel) visiting Avranches, where King Henry II did penance for the death of Thomas Beckett (and was absolved by the Pope), and — of course — the marvelous Mont St Michel…..both a reasonably short drive from the Normandy beaches.