Today I took the train to the Normandy region of France to visit Omaha Beach, the site of one of the D-Day landings and the location of the most American casualties. Before visiting the cemetery, I walked down to the beach and reflected on the fear those brave soldiers must have had storming that beach as the enemy waited, perched on the hill, firing away. Today, the scene at the beach is just the opposite: a peaceful stretch of coastline with rolling hills of bright green grass.
In the cemetery, white crosses are aligned on perfectly manicured grass, row upon row, upon row. I stumbled upon this grave site of the unknown soldier, something I had read about just before arriving. The shear number of graves is mesmerizing and humbling. Thanks to all those that have served in the military, especially those that sacrificed their lives…
May perpetual light shine upon them