Sunday, May 6, Normandy American Cemetery

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is the World War II cemetery located in Collleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II.

Located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel, it covers 172 acres of some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen.  The cemetery is the final resting place of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations in World War II.

This infinity pool stares out at Pointe du Hoc.

When it came time for a permanent burial, the next of kin were asked if they wanted their loved ones repatriated for permanent burial in the US or interred at the closest overseas cemetery.  I can't imagine being faced with that kind of decision.

The names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the Normandy campaign but could not be located are inscribed on the walls of a semicircular garden.  At the center of the garden is a colonnade and within the colonnade, a bronze statue, Spirit of American Youth.  The statue faces the reflecting pool, the mall with burial sites on either side and a chapel positioned at the center of the cemetery.
Here we are with our backs to the colonnade.  You can see the Spirit of American Youth rising above Mom's head.

While we were visiting, we were able to witness a commemoration ceremony including a salute and the playing of Taps.

Memorial flower arrangement lain at the foot of the statue.



This is the reflecting pool west of colonnade and the green space in the mall beyond

Located at the end of the reflecting pool is the cemetery chapel.  On the ceiling of the chapel is the most beautiful mosaic.  The colorful design symbolizes America blessing her sons as they depart by sea and air to fight for freedom, and a grateful France bestowing a laurel wreath upon American Dead who gave their lives to liberate Europe.  

After our visit to the cemetery, we stopped in Bayeax, for a quick bite before we headed back to Paris.