Costly Freedom

I was entranced by the massive beauty of the cathedral at Notre Dam.

We gazed at the stained glass windows.

We marveled as we toured The Louve. I was surprised at how small the Mona Lisa painting.

We visited the Louvre, October, 2015. Yes, that’s the Mona Lisa in the background.

We laughed at the Love Lock Bridge nearby, where lovers proclaimed their love by attaching a padlock to the rails of the bridge.

We strolled through the Monet gardens.

Claude Monet Gardens

What astounded me the most while touring parts of the country of France was driving to the village of Normandy. In our tour group, we faced the large statue, Spirit of American Youth Rising. While standing there, the tour guide gave us information about the statue, Spirit of American Youth Rising, and then asked to turn around, as taps were played.

Spirit of American Youth Rising, Normandy

And we saw this:

Normandy, France

There are really no words to describe this sacred ground. There were 2501 confirmed Americans killed on that one day, but many more Allied troops died during the siege that began on June 6, 1944.

“The eyes of the world are upon you … The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. Your task will not be an easy one … Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely … I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!” (General Dwight D. Eisenhower)

Freedom is hard fought. Two weeks ago, we celebrated Memorial Day, where we remembered and honored those who had died to protect our freedom. D-Day is only one of the places to remember and honor those who fought and died.

Today–and tomorrow, June 6, let’s remember.

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