Today marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air, and sea forces of the Allied Armies in what would become the largest amphibious invasion in military history. The invasion included 7,000 ships and land crafts manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops landed on D-Day. Casualties during the landing numbered 10,300 in a single day with the United States losing 2,051 Americans. We Will Remember those who have given the ultimate gift in the name of freedom.
Allied War Cemetery Souda Bay
In 1998 while Mr. Decor and I were stationed overseas at U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay located on the island of Crete, Greece we visited the Allied War Cemetery Souda Bay.
This was my first realization that unlike our soldiers today whose remains are sent home, in past wars soldiers were often buried near the ground in which they died.
While standing there, looking at the sea of headstones, my eyes filled with tears at the thought of a parent never being able to visit their child’s grave. It was at that moment I decided that every Memorial and Veteran’s day that we spent in Europe we would visit an American cemetery to pay our respects to their sons and daughters.
Luxembourg American Cemetery
In 1999 our family was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. We decided to visit the Luxembourg American Cemetery.
There are 5076 Americans buried here, including General George S. Patton Jr.
Lorraine American Cemetery
Our most memorable visit was to the Lorraine American Cemetery in St. Avold, France on Veteran’s Day 2000.
As our family walked up the gravel drive to the entrance of the cemetery we were greeted by very elderly French citizens, in their 80’s and 90’s. All were dressed in their Sunday best. Some had walkers, but those who could stood and saluted Mr. Decor and thanked us, as American’s, for their freedom. That image will stay with me until the day I die.
The St. Avold memorial contains the largest number of graves (10,481) of our WWII dead in Europe. Due to its vast size, I concentrated my efforts on the graves of unknown soldiers and visiting the section of family members who are buried together. It includes 30 sets of brothers.
We Will Remember
Once we returned home to live in the states we kept up our tradition by paying our respects to military members laid to rest in local cemetaries.
When we travel stateside we also seek out larger memorials such as Arlington National Cemetery which is the final resting place for both family members and friends.
The magnificent World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.
We always search out names that our meaningful to our hearts.
Always taking a moment to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice paid in the name of freedom.
There are hundreds of American military cemeteries located all over the world. I encourage you to seek them out.
Please also consider visiting with living Veterans in homes and hospitals.
My Veteran and I will always remember.
Laura
Dearest Laura, thank you with all my heart for your family’s dedication, bravery, sacrifice, and service to our nation. My condolences for the lives of your family’s losses for their bravery and service. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
I am moved to tears.
Again, thank you and God bless you and your family.
Pam
I, also, was in tears when I finished this post. These young people, on all sides, who didn’t get to live a full life because they were killed in a war strips all of our hearts of joy. Some people say that there are only two wars that authentically needed to be fought and they are: The Revolutionary War and WWII. What is the other old saying? I just looked it up:
Herbert Hoover: ‘Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die. I remember my grandmother telling us when we were children that all mothers and fathers suffer, on both sides, the same pain when their child is killed in war. She and Grandpa knew that pain personally.
Beautiful post. We all have an honor of debt to these brave men and woman and their families. May they all Rest in Peace.
A very moving post, Laura. Thank you.
This is beautiful and poignant, Laura. I’ve only l been to two of the American cemeteries, both in France. But they are powerful places to visit. Just the volume of graves, so simply and beautifully marked, remind us all of great sacrifice.