Yesterday we traveled along the trail of the Normandy landing.
It had significant meaning for two of the ladies in our party.
I was too tired to write last night…. but I wrote a little on the bus.
D-Day is the name given to the landing of 160,000 Allied troops in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. The success of the invasion of Normandy was really the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany. The invasion, also called “Operation Overlord,” involved five separate landings by American, British, and Canadian troops and was commanded by American General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Stiff German resistance resulted in nearly 10,000 Allied casualties, but the Germans were ultimately unable to repel the Allied forces.
Not everything in my life revolves around quilting….
My family won’t agree with that statement…. however… today was one of those magical days and there wasn’t a hint of a creative textile in it.
I’m writing this as I travel home to Rouen on the bus. We’re flying down a freeway flanked with green fields, bright yellow canola carpets, hedgerows garlanded in white spring blossoms and a sky as blue as a ‘sailors uniform’ as my Mum would say.
We’ve just left the American war Cemetery.
I’ve been there may times and I am moved to tears every time…. but today was special. The ladies in our group were asked to fold the flag at ‘taps’
We gathered in the evening light as the flag was eased from it’s vantage point high over the memorial fields. White cross sentinels mark the resting place of 1000’s of young men killed just a few years before I was born.
I placed flowers on the shoulder of this young man..Charles Kettering, Staff Sergeant 2nd ranger battalion. Pennsylvania and he died in the battle on 6th of June 1944.
Maybe someone knows him.?
You can't help but feel the emotion as you walk through the thousands of white crosses standing sentinel in the manicured lawn.
Our ladies were granted the honor of folding the flag at taps…
It was an emotional and amazing day… and honors were bestowed on us that are rarely given….
Just special.
I was just too tired to write last night.
We are certainly filling our days…. up at 6.00 and not back in the room till 10.00 pm.
Today is Bayeux so I am very excited….
All I can say it this has been the most wonderful tour and the ladies are inspired to say the least….
Thank you, Pam. I am always grateful for the time, energy, and work you put into you blog.
This post was special.
Judy you are welcome… it’s a pleasure to share the enjoyment.
Hello, my name is Charles Kettering. The grave you placed flowers on is my Uncle, unfortunately I never had the chance to meet. Thank you for the kind gesture.
Hell there ,
I’m interested by what happened on pointe du Hoc when D-Day , C. Kettering was Ranger in 2/D and KIA there …
Wondering if someone would have pics of him ?
Sincerely ,
thierry-d@skynet.be