A few years ago my wife, Kathy, and I went on a trip to Paris, France, and we signed up for a tour bus to Normandy, a small village where the invasion of Europe took place during World War II.
After a long 3 1/2 hour drive we reached our much anticipated destination. First, there was a walking tour in two small buildings which contained souveniers and exhibits of the military and the invasion plan.
We were reminded that the Allied forces came from many different countries, including England, Australia, Canada and Poland.
We then went on a walking tour towards Omaha Beach where the troops landed. High above the beach there were remains of enemy bunkers and we had a vivid impression of how well fortified the enemy was when the Allied forces landed.
We were given permission to collect sand from Omaha Beach and I proudly did and have the precious reminder in a glass jar.
The most emotional experience was to visit the endless rows of graves where our heroes from that brutal invasion now rest peacefully.
Kathy and I wanted to pray and honor these heroes with our own personal tribute, so we each chose a grave and on our knees we kissed each chosen headstone to represent all of them and prayed.
Both Memorial Day and the anniversary of D Day is a time to reflect and remember the military heroes who sacrificed their lives so that future generation may be safe and enjoy the freedoms we are so fortunate to have.
