When I first discovered that one of our excursions would be to Normandy, a place with so much history tied to World War two, I was filled with so much joy and excitement. This was the excursion that I knew would be my favorite, and when that friday finally came around for us to leave, I was practically jumping out of my seat in the back of the MLK church van.
With having a great grandpa who fought in World War one and two, my interests about WW2 peaked at a young age. It was heartbreaking to hear about the murders of the jewish people in the tirade of the Nazi's and Hitler, and all who were affected in the crossfire. For years I was taught in school about the war through textbooks and documentaries, but now I was actually in Normandy, a place where American, British, and French armies were fighting back the Nazi's. I was dumbfounded as I looked over the cliff at Arromanches-les-Bains, to see the beautiful beach connecting to a never-ending blue sea. It was the most memorable as we stepped into the 360 degree theatre there, where I was able to see so much footage of the fighting in the war that I had not seen before. It was intense and so touching. After the movie had ended, we came across an elderly man who had actually fought in the war and he told us stories from back then in the midst. He was so passionate and made me experience his feelings through just his words. It was the most memorable moment I have from the trip. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.
We visited so many historical places that weekend, including Omaha beach, the American and German memorial grounds, and Le mont st Michel, which was outstanding. It was as if I was dreaming the whole time and would not wake up. God was really moving during this trip, and I could feel his hurt for the Jewish people and for all the lives who were taken at such young ages.
I will never forget Normandy, or what happened to France during the war. I was so touched by the experience, and hope that I will be able to return one day with my loved ones.