Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
men to succeed in this battle is palpable. There are a manageable number of display cases,
a few moving videos (including an interview with Dwight Eisenhower), and a must-see
16-minute film (cushy theater chairs, on the half-hour, you can enter late).
A lineup of informational plaques provides a worthwhile and succinct overview of
key events from September 1939 to June 5, 1944. Starting with June 6, 1944, the plaques
present the progress of the landings in three-hour increments. Amazingly, Omaha Beach
was secured within six hours of the landings.
A path from the visitors center leads to a bluff overlooking the piece of Normandy
beach
called “that embattled shore—portal of freedom.” It's quiet and peaceful today, but
the horrific carnage of June 6, 1944, is hard to forget. An orientation table looks over the
sea. Nearby, steps climb down to the beautiful beach below. A walk on the beach is a
powerful experience and a must if you are sans both car and tour. Visitors with cars can
drive to the beach at Vierville-sur-Mer (see next listing).
In the
cemetery,
you'll find a striking memorial with a soaring statue representing
the spirit of American youth. Around the statue, giant reliefs of the Battle of Normandy
and the Battle of Europe are etched on the walls. Behind is the semicircular Garden of the
Missing,withthenamesof1,557soldierswhowereneverfound.Asmallmetalknobnext
to the name indicates one whose body was eventually found—there aren't many.
Finally, wander through the peaceful and poignant sea of headstones. Notice the
names, home states, and dates of death (but no birth dates) inscribed on each. Dog-tag
numbers are etched into the lower backs of the crosses. During the campaign, the dead
wereburiedintemporarycemeteriesthroughoutvariouspartsofNormandy.Afterthewar,
the families of the soldiers could decide whether their loved ones should remain with their
comrades or be brought home (61 percent opted for repatriation).
