Normandy, France

The coast of Normandy, France is home to many historic sites commemorating World War II history, especially the D-Day invasion by Allied forces. While staying at Camping Omaha Beach, we visited several sights. The first photo is of Pointe du Hoc, the location northwest of Omaha Beach where US Army Rangers scaled 100-foot sea cliffs to capture a German artillery installation. The Visitor Center and American museum here is small and sobering. Afterwards, we walked out to the Ranger Monument where we could also enter the bunker. Bomb craters are still visible here. 

The Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial is a must-visit and located not too far from Omaha Beach near Colleville-sur-Mer. Over 9,000 American military are buried here and over 1,500 missing military members are commemorated here. Viewing the rows and rows of white crosses made me weep. 

The columned half-circle memorial facing the reflection pool provides a peaceful place to ponder the sacrifices made for freedom. Also featured at the memorial are large maps of the landings of Allied forces on Normandy's beaches and of the overall WWII military operations in western Europe.

We also visited La Cambe German War Cemetery located about nine miles (15 km) south west of Omaha Beach. Over 21,000 German military personnel are buried here. Some of the graves are communal including the large mound in the center of the cemetery. One can climb stairs to the top of the mound for a broader view of the cemetery (final photo). A thought-provoking quote at the entrance, "With its melancholy rigour, it is a graveyard for soldiers not all of whom had chosen either the cause or the fight."