France, Nous Voila! Here we Come!

We were filled with anticipation as we began our journey! Our flight from San Francisco in the morning took us to Paris early the following day. We chose to travel commercially for part of the journey, enticed by the extraordinary flights at a mere pittance, and we would arrive precisely where we wanted to go. Our first stop was Versailles, where we planned to spend a few days acclimating and visiting this area before heading to Normandy. The anticipation of visiting these historical WWII sites, fueled by our readings and the Band of Brothers documentary, was palpable.

Normandy is in northern France and still retains a rural character. Gentle hills interrupt farmlands, and stone fences demarcate property lines. After our hectic departure, I could begin to relax as I watched the scenery change in the beautiful countryside. Something about the serenity of this area made it even harder to imagine the devastation of that time. This realization would weigh heavy on my heart during my entire visit.

We visited the WW II museums and sites in Juno, Omaha, Gold, Sword, and Utah beaches. The intensity of these places is hard to express. It was an honor to be here and to recount the minimal pieces of history I know. I am still in awe of all that I do not know.

There is still pride in the accomplishments of WWII, and many people come from around the world to pay homage. The local townspeople, who have lived with this history all their lives, are also quick to point out the local sites and the history they know. Their personal stories and perspectives added a unique depth to our visit.

Service in the military during WWII was not just an expectation, but a time of duty and honor. Eighty years after the initiation of Operation Overload, the respect and honor for the men who served is still palpable. This visit was a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and service that we will never forget.

During our visit, I uncovered a surprising family connection to the war. I learned that my Uncle Bob had served in Paris during the war. Despite his struggles with Polio as a child, a condition that would have exempted him from military service, he felt a strong sense of duty and served as a civil servant in the post office in Paris. His story added a deeply personal layer to my understanding of WWII and how this era of time was perceived by those who lived it.

It was an incredible privilege to experience these sacred places. No words or pictures can fully capture the magnitude of history that resides here. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to visit and pay my respects.