6 thoughts on “PHOTO: Grave of an Unknown Soldier in the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France”
To visit Normandy is to be changed forever. Every teenager in America should visit and remember that these young men were about their age when sent to liberate Europe against staggering odds on Omaha Beach. Standing on the beach regarding the well defended cliffs it is understandable that the first wave of Army Rangers took 100% casualties, as did most of the second wave. The attitude of youth today that America is some sort of evil empire visiting ills upon the world would be dispelled as they see the endless rows of graves and read the words of General Mark Clark engraved in stone from the Visitors Center to the Cemetery: “If ever proof were needed that we fought for a cause and not for conquest it could be found in these cemeteries. Here was our only conquest: All we asked…was enough…soil in which to bury our gallant dead.”
A lovely quiet, contemplative feel to your photo…with the sky the same color as the monuments…
My Australian grandfather fought in France, but thankfully survived.
I found the European War Cemeteries some of the most moving locations around. I went to the Australian one near Viller-Brettoneux (not that far from the D-day beaches) and found myself alone seeing row after row of beautifully maintained gravestones, many marked as unknown and all of young men barely into adulthood.
It was a painful and heart-rending visit for me Mark, perhaps because my father served in WWII (made it back, thankfully!). But I’m so glad I went. We must remember history or we’re doomed to repeat it.
To visit Normandy is to be changed forever. Every teenager in America should visit and remember that these young men were about their age when sent to liberate Europe against staggering odds on Omaha Beach. Standing on the beach regarding the well defended cliffs it is understandable that the first wave of Army Rangers took 100% casualties, as did most of the second wave. The attitude of youth today that America is some sort of evil empire visiting ills upon the world would be dispelled as they see the endless rows of graves and read the words of General Mark Clark engraved in stone from the Visitors Center to the Cemetery: “If ever proof were needed that we fought for a cause and not for conquest it could be found in these cemeteries. Here was our only conquest: All we asked…was enough…soil in which to bury our gallant dead.”
Margot, I echo every word you have written in your comment. I am appalled at the lack of knowledge about WWI and WWII in this world today.
A lovely quiet, contemplative feel to your photo…with the sky the same color as the monuments…
My Australian grandfather fought in France, but thankfully survived.
Thanks Janet. It was a strange combination of serenity and sadness at the cemetery, and great to see how lovingly it’s taken care of.
I found the European War Cemeteries some of the most moving locations around. I went to the Australian one near Viller-Brettoneux (not that far from the D-day beaches) and found myself alone seeing row after row of beautifully maintained gravestones, many marked as unknown and all of young men barely into adulthood.
It was a painful and heart-rending visit for me Mark, perhaps because my father served in WWII (made it back, thankfully!). But I’m so glad I went. We must remember history or we’re doomed to repeat it.