Memorial Day remembers men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.
Tribute is paid with towering monuments
and memorial cemeteries, all touching reminders.
Looking later at this sculpture erected by the French government in honor of America’s sacrifice, I had hope that someday we could all find a way to live in peace and felt a special appreciation for all those men and women who continue to serve and protect the U.S. To them, I say thank you.
Nowhere, however, have I found anything as moving as the American cemetery in Normandy where thousands of brave young men lay beneath stark white crosses, many of which have no name. Standing in the midst of them, I wept as it hit me just how terrible war is and how sad it is that so much of our world is still experiencing its traumas.
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Lulu's Musings 
I do so agree with you about Normandy. One of our best friends was a recipient of the French Legion of Honor Medal and parachuted into Normandy on D-Day. He was such a marvelous person and returned to Normandy every D-Day of his life. On a lighter note, we have returned from our Canadian adventure via rail. We were able to spend a day with Virginia of Bel’ Occhio’s Blog! It was such grand fun to meet in person after all these years. Here is the post if you would want to read it: http://belocchio.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/dinner-with-the-tin-man/
Pictures of Normandy are humbling and give us pause to think of those brave souls. I can’t image the fear landing on that beach knowing what was ahead for them.
Reblogged this on Ace News Desk 2014 and commented:
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The photos from Normandy are very sobering. Taking time to reflect…
A very good time to reflect. I’ll never forget as well visiting the beach in Normandy. It was eye-opening at the extent of people who died in battle.
Yes, the American cemetery in Normandy is a stark reminder of the horrors of war. It is sad that so many of the younger generation think that our wars have been fought by professional soldiers, as they are now, rather than teachers, shopkeepers, and others with only 8 weeks of training who were thrust into horrific battles on those shores. I so appreciated the commemoration of their sacrifice displayed at Normandy.
A very thoughtful post. I agree, time in the American cemetery in Normandy was a most moving experience for me too. We must not forget the extreme sacrifice others have made for our freedom.