The American Cemetery at Normandy | History Traveler Episode 54

There aren't words to describe the American Cemetery at Normandy. It's a humbling place that is the final resting place for some of the best men that the U.S. has ever produced. In this episode, we are walking the grounds of the cemetery to explore some of the history behind it and of the men who are laid to rest there.

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#history #france #WWII #dday #cemetery #omahabeach #normandy

[bbcfakenews]

No words are good enough for this generation

[paulcook]

The Greatest Generation will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice and memories will live forever.

[JustinBoudreau-vd]

Bless these men. They are watching over all of us. Let's not let them down.

[jeffreylucas]

Just a year has passed since I visited this site with my son. No words can truly describe what is in front of you. It is a "must see" in my opinion. what disturbs me most is how this history of your country is no longer taught in schools. The result is the total lack of appreciation for historical events that shaped our culture. Thank you to my son who arranged the trip and tour of Normandy, a trip I will never forget.

[andrewbell]

It is a cemetery I would like to see once. And being Canadian I would also like to see the Canadian Normandy cemetery as well. Just so sad how young these guys were. Fighting for our freedom. Canadians, Americans, British.

[shaunysmith]

I have visited Normandy three times now and I would recommend to anyone who feels they owe these guys their respect a visit.
Visit the British cemeteries at Bayeux and Ranville, Pegasus Bridge and be prepared to be humbled beyond belief.
Visit the American cemetery at Colleville Sur Mer and also take in some of the museums over there. Quite mesmerising for sure.
We met an old veteran at the Bayeux cemetery paying his respects to a particular headstone. We managed to gain his confidence and then he told us his story. He didn’t want to at first but was persuaded by his wife to tell us a little bit of his day on D Day.
Well, let me tell you, this old, wizened and very proud soldier had 3 grown men in their forties hanging onto every word he said and we left a little wiser and a little sadder and pleased as punch that we got to share just a little bit of what these heroes went through on that day.
Put it on your bucket list of things to do because I can tell you that I will be going again soon with my 2 grandchildren to show them the sacrifices made by these people for them so they could live a better life.
Respect to them all

[Mantequilla-nrzk]

Thanks for keeping watch over our boys France I’m sure they feel right at home. 🇺🇸🇫🇷RIP heroes.

[altonwilliams]

They gave up all their tomorrows so that we could have todays. ✝️🇺🇸

[MikeyD]

I really don't have the appropriate words to describe my feelings after watching this awesome extremely humbled and thankful for this generation's incredible heroism.

[delwigzieful]

To all the american who lost there lives in this terrible war THANK YOU FROM THe UK, I will NEVER FORGET THEM GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE'S, ALIEN

[ProvidenceNL]

When i was at that cemetery, it left me speechless. There is such a strange atmosphere there and it just makes all the stuff you read about D-day and the second world war in general come crashing in and what it cost for us in Europe to be free. It was one of the most profound moments of my life i still think. When i walked there, i could walk in between the headstones and i remember reading names and being overwhelmed emotionally.

[toejoe]

One of the most cherished moments of my life was when I visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memoial in March 2014. It was important for me, during my life, to personally visit this hallowed ground. To offer my thanks and respect to those heroes who saved the world from tyranny. And I wept.

[suestone]

I visited the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach and Pointe Du Hoc in June of 2001. My wife and I (I am Dennis, posting this) were in Paris and did a tour to many of the D-Day sites. We were there the day following the June 6 anniversary and saw a military reenactment group do a wreath laying ceremony. I don't know how the narrator is able to walk through and talk, I get very emotional just viewing this. I am a USAF Airforce Veteran from the Mid-70's and it was an honor signing the guest book at the cemetery, felt like I was saying I came here to visit and to show respect for all of you guys and gals (yes, there are 4 women) for what you did. I will never forget, thank you.

[rayross]

Wow! I have said it before, these videos need to be shown in every high school. To see those graves is very sobering. There but by the grace of God go I. How blessed we are today to live the lives we have been given. Thanks for all your work. Thanks to all those brave men.

[codyf]

Thank you for being there for those of us who can't be. Thank you to these brave men for their sacrifice.

[glennmorgan]

I was fortunate enough to visit the Cemetery in February 2020, I’m an Amateur Historian and Archeologist for the 44th Bombardment Group (H) which were stationed in England from 1942-1945. I have found a couple of dog tags in my excavations of some of the men of the 44th Bomb Group who are buried here.
The day I visited I was also told due to heavy rain I was NOT allowed to view the graves of the men whose dog tags I had found, I requested to speak to the woman in charge of the operations at the ABMC there, and was told that they did not want me to photograph the graves up close because they had treated the stones with a new chemical which had reacted badly and turned the stones slightly brown and stained them. (As you can see in this video)
I really hope to get back there as soon as possible to pay my respects properly this time.
Fantastic video, as always.

[kenrowe]

A very emotional place, I managed to visit the Nylan brothers graves when I was there, at that very moment they played the last post on bugle, everyone stood still in respect, a very touching moment I will never forget. RIP to the brave men that gave everything for others.

[JustLiveInPeace]

Sadly this is just one of many such cemeteries for our fallen heroes.
My grandparents had 6 sons (my uncles) serving during WW2. 5 came home, 1 was killed in Haminkeln during Op Varsity after survivng Op Overlord in Normandy and Op Market Garden.
He is buried in the Reichswald Forest and visiting there was very sobering and emotional, not least humbling to see how many made the ultimate sacrifice.
We should also not forget those who fought and died on the opposite side, for many of those were simply soldiers too following orders.

[emmiasdreams]

Wow. Planning to go there this summer. It has been a dream of mine to go there. I have no idea why I'm drawn to this place but I'm looking forward to it. Maybe I want to thank them in person for the sacrifice they made for us.

[DerekGM]

I visited in July 2019, just after the 75th anniversary of D-Day. We were not allowed to walk amongst the headstones not because of rain but because of the thousands of visitors that had been coming and kept coming, and whose footfall was in danger of damaging the immaculate lawns. I swear that there was not a blade of grass out of place. It is hard to to describe the serenity and beauty of this cemetery which is is no less than those interred deserve. I wandered for hours reading the names on the headstones and reflecting upon their sacrifice. I left feeling humbled and unbelievably sad for all those young lives lost.