Kongo visited the American landing beaches at Normandy. It was bitterly cold with a fierce wind. Bursts of rain bombarded the tour group. The sea roiled at high tide. As we overlooked Omaha Breach you couldn’t help but be awed by the magnitude of the accomplishments of our father’s and grandfather’s generation. So many young men died taking these beaches. German, American, British, Canadian, and Commonwealth troops from all over the world died here. Thousands of French civilians were killed in the bombings of La Havre and Caen and all the small villages that were leveled in the wake of the Allied advance.

On June 6th, 1944 the area where American soldiers were laid to rest was a wheat field. The owner donated his property to the United States. Today the area is an immaculately manicured cemetery with solemn monuments to the battle that took place here 80 years ago. Many of the homes that now stand in the area of the Omaha beaches fly American flags.

A very poignant memorial at the cemetery is the Spirit of American Youth Rising From the Waves, a 22-foot bronze statue facing the graves.

While Kongo was visiting, a troop of German soldiers were preparing to lay a wreath at the statue to commemorate American battle losses on D-Day.

In the center of Omaha Beach is an unusual memorial titled Les Braves (The Brave Ones) dedicated to the bravery of American forces on June 6. It consists of three parts,

The wings of Hope – So that the spirit which carried these men on June 6th, 1944 continues to inspire us, reminding us that together it is always possible to changing the future. Rise, Freedom! – So that the example of those who rose against barbarity, helps us remain standing strong against all forms of inhumanity. The Wings of Fraternity – So that this surge of brotherhood always reminds us of our responsibility towards others as well as ourselves.

Today, groups of laughing school children tour the sites. There are also aging Americans who remember the sacrifices made by the previous generation.

A German bunker with canon still installed overlooks Omaha Beach. It’s a reminder of the fierce battle that raged here as the Allies came ashore in the face of thousands of machine guns, canons, and defenders armed to the teeth.

Travel safe. Have fun.