Blog #7 Normandy Beach

June 6^th, 2004 marked one of the most memorable experiences of my youth. My dad’s sister and her family lived in Brussels, Belgium so we had a great excuse to take a family vacation to Europe. We boarded a plane to Paris where we visited many historical sites, enjoyed the great food and toured the museums and famous churches in the city. After the time we spent in Paris we ventured north to Normandy, France to visit the historical battle of D-Day. Without planning it, we happened to show up on the 60^th anniversary of the American soldiers’ landing in France.

As a middle school student with a few years of history I understood the importance that day held in world history. I was struck by the sacrifice made by the thousands of Americans who died that day to preserve the freedom of a country not their own. Walking the cemetery was one of the most emotional experiences in my life. As we walked along the wall, I was imagining how the scene would have played out as our soldiers stormed the beachfront, not only dodging German fire but also battling the high ground and harsh incline of the beach. That day spent in Normandy, France will forever be part of me as a student of history and as a patriotic American.