My thoughts are scrolling backwards in time, seventy years to the day.
Through the fog of the early Normandy dawn…
…our Allied soldiers waited on rolling seas, ill and cramped…
…yet solid and ready.
As the light broke, they stormed…
…through the water that pulled at their boots…
…only to hit terra firma as bullets rained from above.
On they charged to part the mist of history that Hitler had draped over Europe, over the world…
…that darkness, seemingly irrefutable, was seared by their bright light of hope and strength.
Here are to those that fought that day and to those that were left behind. You created a new path.
Long may we remember, long may we follow.
Heather, that was stunning an very moving. I visited the actual site, but your visit was more meaningful.
On this blazing hot day here in Rome, (a place with it's own scars and remembering this week) your soft images of fog and green and silence and thoughtful words are a respite and a reminder.
Your words are exquisite and your images, so striking.
As 'mon ami' hails from Normandy (and his mother's memories if the war remain very clear), it had been a few days of watching documentaries in both English and French, and his memories if running through bunkers as a child in the 60s.
Chilling.
Merci, chere Contessa.
I am sure that your students paid their respects for this important anniversary, Emilia.
Not only you, Loree. I feel like so many people that were not actually in Europe did not know. Our press chooses such odd and irrevelant things to feature some days…
I am glad you enjoyed it G, especially as you have moved me with so many tributes yourself.
Merci beaucoup, Natalie. That is such a fine compliment. And thank you as well for mentioning the Russian soldiers as well. As I grew up during the Cold War, I learned so little of their sacrifice until I visited Russia myself…
What an incredibly inspiring story, Jackie! So much more is possible than we think…
Thank you so much for your comment, Bruce. I feel the same.
Remi said that the memorial coverage in France was very moving. I saw so little of it here.
You are welcome Edgar, I know that you were thinking about the anniversary too.
Elizabeth, I always appreciate hearing your very pin-point specific perspective. I don't think I thought much about what it must have been like for those soldiers until having seen some of the film footage that was taken during it – that I won't forget. Nor having visited the cemetaries in Normandy…
Our world is such a mess in some ways, Judith. I think that we forget the context – I know that I do at times.
Beautiful stated.
Their souls are part of the landscape you took in those pictures…I could see them!
THANKS… we will NEVER forget…
A very beautiful and moving tribute. I am ashamed to say that I totally forgot about this particular anniversary. Sometimes I fee like I am living in my own little bubble.
A beautiful tribute Heather. Thank you.
The most beautiful, poetic and powerful tribute to ALL heroes I've ever seen or read!
Yes remember them with gratitude British, Americans, Australians, Canadians and 22 million Russian soldiers who lost their lives to create a new path.
Thank you Heather.
What a lovely remembrance, Heather. You caught the spirit of place as well as time with this one. We watched news reports yesterday of a 93-year-old man who jumped from a plane (just as he had done during the invasion) to commemorate the day. Let's hope we all have that same spirit as we age and as you say may we remember and follow. . .
A lovely tribute for these honorable men. Will always remember them with gratitude and appreciation.
Just beautiful Heather. A perfect tribute….on a day of remembrance.
"You created a new path.
Long may we remember, long may we follow."
Thank you for the memorable tribute.
Your words and images are powerfully evocative. These brave men will never be forgotten. I feel ill when thinking about their emotions as they approached the shore, as well as the grief of the families and loved ones who received shocking news that their beloved was not returning home. Like many British, Americans and fellow Australians, I too have family members buried on French soil. The saddest thing is that war still continues for many – innocent lives lost in the chess game of those in, or seeking power. Warm regards.
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Chills. Stunning words and photography. We must remember.