[Giants]

I concur with the thought that every American should take time to visit the Normandy beaches.  My wife and I made the trip several years ago.  What an experience.  Walking the beaches, trying to imagine what it was like was quite a sobering experience.  And, of course, visiting the cemetery above Omaha Beach.  Wow.

We also drove over to the German cemetery as well.  What struck both of us were the ages of the German soldiers who were buried there - many, many were younger than the Americans who died.  In terms of available manpower, it was evident that by 1944 Germany was reaching deep into male population to serve in the war.  

I found the museum in Caen to be a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the troops.  The stories of the Medal of Honor winners were incredible.  (and I saw a number of items that my Dad brought home from his time serving in the Pacific theatre - same stuff; opposite side of the world)

[Giants]

I concur with the thought that every American should take time to visit the Normandy beaches.  My wife and I made the trip several years ago.  What an experience.  Walking the beaches, trying to imagine what it was like was quite a sobering experience.  And, of course, visiting the cemetery above Omaha Beach.  Wow.

We also drove over to the German cemetery as well.  What struck both of us were the ages of the German soldiers who were buried there - many, many were younger than the Americans who died.  In terms of available manpower, it was evident that by 1944 Germany was reaching deep into male population to serve in the war.  

I found the museum in Caen to be a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the troops.  The stories of the Medal of Honor winners were incredible.  (and I saw a number of items that my Dad brought home from his time serving in the Pacific theatre - same stuff; opposite side of the world)