Yesterday was a long but great day seeing Normandy. We spent lots of time at the cemetery which is so gorgeous. It is very sobering to see thousands of grave sites with a cross (or for Jewish soldiers a star of David) but good to know how well these soldiers are cared for in their final resting place. Each has their name, state they were from and military information on the marker. There’s also at least a thousand names engraved on a giant wall of soldiers who’s remains were never found or could not be identified (many shot down from planes and went in the ocean). The grounds are so gorgeous and well maintained, it was really a special place to visit. Our guide was fantastic and so knowledgeable. We spent time at Omaha and Utah beach, looking out at the ocean trying to vision the entire invasion on D-Day. We were so happy we were able to go. We also went and walked in underground bunkers where the German soldiers lived. Some had been bombed , lots of broken cement etc. as if it all just happened.

Yesterday was quite an awakening experience. Even though we’ve seen lots of photos and old film footage of the Normandy invasion, seeing it all in person was unbelievable. I’d HIGHLY recommend seeing this. It sure gives you an appreciation of what these young men did to protect our freedom (the average age of the soldiers was about 21 years old, many were even younger!) I didn't know that Teddy Roosevelt lost 2 sons (saw their graves). Also saw graves where 2 brothers were buried together, some had both a father and a son buried together.

Luckily, the weather has been so perfect. We were prepared for much cooler or wet weather. Yesterday we didn’t even need a jacket, bright and sunny around 70 degrees. Today we’re in Rouen. This is the link showing our itinerary. http://www.amawaterways.com/paris_and_normandy-2015