Well, there is much to be said about what has already happened since we have been in France for the Past 2 Days. I will do my best in future posts to get more photos up as well as further in depth with the story that is taking place here. I arrived to be greeted by 20 college students from College of the Ozarks, as well as 5 men from the 101st airborne division that live in different parts of the US. All 5 of these men parachuted in to Normandy on D-Day, or the day after. We are currently staying in a town about 10 miles from the Atlantic Coast, and we visited the American World War II Cemetery, which lies right up above part of Omaha Beach. {for those of you have seen “Saving Private Ryan”, it is the cemetery at both the beginning and end of the film.} We arrived early this morning and the 5 veterans took part in raising the 2 flags on the grounds, as well as visiting fallen comrades that they had known. The cemetery contains 9,387 of our military dead, and 172.5 acres. As we walked amongst this place emotions stirred and stories were told:
A while after being there, we were greeted by a group of French tourists passing through, and it was an awe-inspiring event to behold the thanks and gratitude that they showed towards the veterans that were with us. As I stood there watching what was taking place, I could not help but be flooded with emotion at the love and respect I saw taking place in front of me.
more to come soon
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Hey guy!
Its very cool!you must absolutely come to Hanover
I wish you a great time in Europe
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Nicole says:
Alec,
We are so incredibly excited for you! What an amazing opportunity to see the world, gain wisdom from men who have given their lives to protect our country, and have a dog gone good time! You will be in our prayers – you better keep us posted along the way!We love you!!!!!
-Nick & Nic
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Kelsey says:
A ton of my friends are going on that trip. I follow your blog religiously. I can’t wait to see the results. I’m sure there will be only one word to describe them. BOOM!
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Great! I’m a follower around here and i live in Belgium
When are you staying in Belgium and in which city if I may ask?
Curious to know Have a nice stay!
Melissa -
This is incredible – what an amazing opportunity! I can’t wait to see the photographs and read all about your journey!
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jeromie says:
that is so awesome man. i’m completely looking forward to your pix
Last year I went on a trip to Europe to study Canadian Battlefields. It was the most amazing thing I ever did. I stood in real trenches and saw real debris left from the war. We also met a soldier who fought against the Japanese in the war. It was so moving. You pictures a beautiful.
Wow, these are very touching photos…Beautiful.
Alex- These pictures deserve to be awarded, for capturing the purity of emotion, and the depth of gratitude, and for reminding us all of the freedom that most Americans take for granted every single, breathing moment of their lives. I applaud you, and can’t wait to see more from your gifted photography, friend.
Well done, old boy–you are, once again, capturing the spirit of the place and the emotion of the people. Carry on…we want more…much more.
you’re gonna have to make a book from these – and if you don’t then I certainly will!
Incredible. I visited this beach and cemetery 16 years ago- it was an overwhelming experience. What an opportunity to go there with veterans. Your images portray the emotion of this place and the people beautifully.