NORMANDY

When my pants got too tight from all the French pastries I headed up to Normandy in northern Frances to the town of Bayeux. I had hoped to escape the pastries, but when I got off the bus, I heard someone call my name and when I turned around it was the darn French pastries.

They said ”Where do you think you are going?” and I replied “ I am trying to get away from all of you!” And one replied” You are still in France, you cannot escape us, we plan to follow you as long as you are in France! So there I was in Bayeux with a bunch of French pastries and the most amazing Quiche Lorrine I have ever tasted.

My father was a paratrooper in World War II, and my trip to Normandy and its beaches evoked a sense of nostalgia. We stayed in a beautiful old hotel in Bayeux, a town that experienced considerable fighting during the war and was saved by the USA. This picturesque town boasted cobblestone streets, beautiful old churches and a variety of shops aimed at tourists, oh and lots of French pastries. I participated in an afternoon tour conducted by a young guide with profound interest and knowledge in WWII, offering perspectives that I had not previously considered.

For example he told us that as the United States Navy vessel neared Omaha Beach, soldiers were deployed using flat-bottomed rafts. These rafts navigated the tumultuous waves in a harsh manner, riding the wave up high then crashing down. Consequently, numerous soldiers experienced seasickness, leading to vomiting and feelings of disorientation. Additionally, they were soaked by the crashing waves while clad in wool uniforms and burdened with their equipment. By the time they reached the beach, their effectiveness had diminished to approximately 50% due to the combined effects of dizziness and the heavy weight of their uniforms and gear.

WWII was the deadliest military conflict in history. An estimated total of 70–85 million deaths world wide have been reported. More than half of the total number of casualties accounted for were from China and the Soviet Union.

My father never discussed his experiences during the war while I was growing up. In fact, during my teenage years, I ventured into our basement in search of a forgotten item and stumbled upon an unfamiliar trunk. Upon opening it, I found various medals, including a Purple Heart and a Medal of Honor. When I inquired about the contents, he downplayed his experiences from World War II. It was only in his later years, as he approached the end of his life, that he began to talk about the war and express sorrow over the many young men he witnessed lose their lives in the conflict. We continue to honor those who served during this period as the “Greatest Generation,” with over 16 million Americans having participated in the war, of which approximately 400,000 did not return home.

There is a cemetery in Bayeux which is the largest WWII cemetery. It contains 4,648 some burials of Americans who lost their life during the invasion of Normandy. It was well manicured and beautiful. It was a poignant reminder of how incredibly destructive and horrible wars are. So many young people who perished on both sides.

We were able to see the German bunkers on the shore line in the hills where the Germans had an easy shot of Americans coming in from the sea. We stood both at the top looking down at the beach and then stood on the beach looking up and were reminded of the fight and the courage these men, boys rather, had. Our tour guide explained in detail how the US Rangers scaled those cliffs to get to the German bunkers.

The town is also home to several impressive cathedrals, and it is said that the majority of France adheres to Catholicism. Unlike the United States, where various Christian denominations have gained acceptance, France has largely remained steadfast in its commitment to Catholicism, which they regard as the singular true faith. Consequently, numerous Catholic churches can be found throughout the entire country. Additionally, many renowned saints hail from this region, for those Catholics reading this, most notable is St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Joan of Arc, St. Bernadette, and St. Vincent de Paul, to name just a few from the area.

Once more, my diet consisted primarily of pastries, along with several dozen quiches. Eventually, the day arrived when I was convinced, I could no longer consume another French pastry, prompting me to board a train to ………. I don’t want to ruin the surprise.

All that we don’t know is astonishing. Even more astonishing is what passes for knowing.

Breath taking Cathedral

Omaha Beach- It felt strange standing on the same beach the soldiers foungt on so many years ago. The plaque is dedicated to the medics that lost their lives trying to save others.