From the first minute in which the battle began till the last second, the battle was complete devastation. It was an experience that led to an inevitable feeling of death. The brave men and women who fought on D-Day WW2(6th June 1944), will always be remembered for their gallantry, in the Normandy American Cemetery.
What is D-Day?
D-Day was an event which took place during WW2 and occurred between June – August 1944. It resulted as a victory towards the Allies (USA, UK, the Soviet Union, France and many more). Moreover, not only they had won the war but it was also a sight for the beginning of the end. The Western European countries had been liberated with the use of Operation Overlord. It was a perfect operation for surrendering Hitler and his army. Getting on board around 156,000 soldiers, the American, British and Canadian forces separated into 5 different sections of the heavily fortified coast of Normandy, France, stretching 50 miles. With this magnificent plan, they were bound to obstruct the path of Hitler’s success. And it so happened that the Allies did. They managed to execute the largest amphibious military assaults in history and also finished Hitler’s power.
Why in Normandy, Omaha beach?
Everything has a reason behind it. The French people decided that they would offer some of their land to America as a gift for cooperating with them in the war. Therefore, the location where the Americans had landed (Omaha beach)0 during D-Day had been where the 9,385 graves were placed throughout a field extending up to 172.5 acres of land and it became the first cemetery planted on European soil. Moreover, the names of 1557 missing soldiers were written on the semi-circle garden on the east side of the memorial.
Omaha beach
This beach was one of the code-name for the five different sections of the allied invasion. It was the deadliest and bloodiest beaches of all. Ever since the war had finished it had been known as ‘Bloody Omaha’. Landings here were necessary to connect with the British troops to the east at Gold and the American landing to the west at Utah. 34,250 troops landed on the Omaha beach and it’s estimated that over 9000 of them had died or were missing. However, if we compare it to the number of causalities in Utah which was 197, we get an understanding of how deadly Omaha beach was.
My Thoughts
My journey to France had changed this time. We wandered off to Normandy via a ferry over the English Channel. We closed in to the coast and took the coach that had rejoiced with us for 4 days in France. Then, I entered the Normandy American Cemetery along with my friends. My vision was covered by the ever so stretched fields of never-ending greenery, yet I couldn’t capture any signs of the cemetery. Below us was the Omaha beach itself with the shining sand that reflected off the sun. A wonderful tour guide walked us through history by informing us with the knowledge that will always be remembered. Then we climbed up the stairs. There it was… The graves of the 9385 soldiers were scattered in a symmetrical pattern, perfectly aligned with the statue behind us representing ‘The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves’ by Donald De Lue.
Ahead of me was a small pool, fresh enough to shape an ideal image of the reflection of the statue when facing west. My mind was absolutely baffled. I was quite surprised by the fact that the tour guider mentioned 9385 graves when really it seemed like millions. Just walking on the path, going past the countless graves of the soldiers was unbelievable. Here and there were sights of the Star of David Graves. The material in which the graves were made of was pure white marble which originated from Italy. The whole cemetery was extremely well maintained and very quiet. It was pin-drop silence. It shows respect to all the courageous soldiers who fought for their country. On average most of them were aged between 22 and 23.
My journey ended there. My mind was filled with countless thoughts. I was completely astounded by the sight of those many graves. I will always recollect that moment and respect the 156,000 soldiers who had fought in the war.
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