Allied forces launched an attack on the Germans occupying France. Few expected them to succeed.
Above are the remnants of temporary ports known as Mulberry harbors. Some are on the beach; others are floating in the breakwater. They were used during the D-day invasion on June 6, 1944 but were badly damaged in a violent storm later in the month. When we visited Normandy in 2005 I wasn’t that interested in military history so they could have been “bombardons” or “phoenixes” which also provided landing ramps for troops and equipment. But they definitely weren’t “gooseberries” or “corncobs” – ships scuttled for use as breakwaters. (My husband, as you might have guessed, is a WWII buff)
The French have left these remnants on the beach as a reminder, knowing that it’s impossible to stand on this beach without feeling overwhelmed.
To the south of Omaha is Pointe du Hoc, a cliff that rises 90 feet straight out of the water, or so it seems. On this day, eighty years ago, Rudder’s Rangers used climbing equipment and, with heavy weapons on their backs, assaulted this cliff. We found a painting depicting this scene in the dining room of our hotel in Grandcamp Maisy (which isn’t a campground but a charming fishing village with views not only of Pointe du Hoc of but the Contentin Peninsula)
I wished I’d had the good sense to ask the name of the artist but we had such a busy schedule that I never had the chance.
We tried visiting the remnants of the German bunkers on the top of Pointe du Hoc but it was raining like crazy and thus hard to get any good pictures. I can tell you, the craters left by the bombing on June 6, 1944 are still there.
Above is a place we visited on a cloudy day. It is the immaculately cared for American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer. Another place that will leave you breathless.
Eighty years ago. June 6, 1944.
Saying nothing in particular 
This is a reminder for Americans that we have to stand with our allies to defeat people that want to take our freedom away from us.
Absolutely.
I like the fact that the remnants remain on the beach. Never forget. Democracy is fragile….
It’s a beautiful beach but, on a normal day you don’t see a lot of people sunbathing, picnicking or swimming – it’s a place of reverence. Or was – twenty years ago. I hope that never changes. The cemetery is also stunning. We also went to Utah beach and Sainte Mere Eglise – other places of reverence.
Excellent post and photos. It’s a great day to remember the sacrifices of so many during that dark period. It seems like I visited a few years after you did.
When we were there we met a couple of German ladies who were doing research at the nearby German cemetery. It was a stark reminder that the innocent suffer on both sides of a war..
Yes, indeed. Thank you for sharing that.
We went to all those places too, including the German bunkers at Pointe du Hoc. It’s almost impossible to find the words to describe the feelings we had during that trip, especially as my father-in-law landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Thanks for remembering them.
It is impossible to describe the experience isn’t it? It’s like the souls of all those men (and women) still linger.
Did you watch “Band of Brothers?” Similar feeling.
We stayed at a B&B and the husband was a WWII aficionado. We hired him for a 10-hour tour and it was fascinating! It flew by. We saw all the American sites the first day. After a day on our own, we hired him again to visit the British and Canadian areas. It was an awesome experience!!
Wow – that sounds like my husband’s dream vacation! I wanted to see Mont Ste. Michel and so that didn’t leave us time to see everything!
I would have loved to see that but we only had three days. Still, it was an amazing trip.
A beautiful tribute, Jan. Thank you!
I saw President Biden’s speech from there today. It was a fabulous speech about democracy. It made me proud to be a Canadian friend of America.
Best wishes,
Resa
Thank you – it’s unfortunate that he has to be so emphatic and that people do not realize the danger Europe now faces. Again.
The 80th anniversary of D-Day couldn’t have come at a more needed moment in our country’s history. I enjoyed seeing the old men at the memorial service in France. They knew you don’t let the Nazis win, then or now.
It’s best not to let the Nazis or fascists get into power so millions do not have to die. But too many people believe in the myth of the strongman. They want their leaders to be entertaining and on “their side.” Not on everyone’s side but their side.
Interesting images of the beach with the Mulberry harbors. It looks so surreal.
The beach has been left a memorial to all those who died and it is surreal!
Hi Jan, how lovely that you visited this beach. The painting looks incredible. The French suffered terribly during both World Wars.
The owners of that hotel were the children of members of the Resistance and so D-day had great meaning for them!
Yes, I am sure. It has great meaning for me too.