Omaha Beach D-Day June 6, 1944
Omaha Beach today (above, below)
American Cemetary overlooking Omaha Beach
We spent this Christmas in France, and on the way to our destination we stopped off to visit the D-day Beaches of Normandy. On D-day, June 6, 1944, thousands of young Americans gave their lives for a free Europe. Normandy, France is one place where you can be very, very proud that you are an American. I was in the American Cemetery with just under 10,000 graves at noon when bells played My Country Tis of Thee. I was struck at how these young men-- many in there early 20s or younger-- had given up so much for a people they had never met. It must have been terrifying to land there on D-day. Now, it is so peaceful.
I also found myself thinking of all the German men who died in the Battle of Normandy. We even went to a German cemetery. There are many people buried there who were devoted Nazis. However, I have learned since living in Germany that there are probably many men who would have given anything to be on their farms in Bavaria or at a local pub than fighting a war, but they had no choice. War is complicated--even a just war.
On a more personal note…I thought going to the D-Day Beaches was maybe not the best idea when you are walking through a very stressful adoption. However, I think going there helped me get a perspective. So many of those guys who died never had the chance to have a family or see their children grow up. I also think of all those in America who lost a brother or a husband or a son. My husband is so precious, and I am thankful every day to have him.
There are many people who have had to endure hardships and suffer in this life. God never promised we would not suffer. In fact, Paul tells us that we will suffer and not to be surprised by it. CS Lewis said something to the effect that suffering either makes the man or destroys him. I hope that the sufferings in my life make me more like Jesus.
I also found myself thinking of all the German men who died in the Battle of Normandy. We even went to a German cemetery. There are many people buried there who were devoted Nazis. However, I have learned since living in Germany that there are probably many men who would have given anything to be on their farms in Bavaria or at a local pub than fighting a war, but they had no choice. War is complicated--even a just war.
On a more personal note…I thought going to the D-Day Beaches was maybe not the best idea when you are walking through a very stressful adoption. However, I think going there helped me get a perspective. So many of those guys who died never had the chance to have a family or see their children grow up. I also think of all those in America who lost a brother or a husband or a son. My husband is so precious, and I am thankful every day to have him.
There are many people who have had to endure hardships and suffer in this life. God never promised we would not suffer. In fact, Paul tells us that we will suffer and not to be surprised by it. CS Lewis said something to the effect that suffering either makes the man or destroys him. I hope that the sufferings in my life make me more like Jesus.
1 comment:
Yeah! I get to leave the very first comment! We had a wonderful time with y'all over Christmas, and I am so excited about the new news on Emeline! Welcome to the world of blogging!
Rachel
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