Participation

[LDunlop76]

You getting to see any D-Day commemorations, Caroline? We were in northern France for the 50th anniversary, but there wasn't a lot going on in the village we stayed in. We did see the preparations for Clinton's visit to the Normandy beaches though - our ferry got in the day before and we had a detour to look at the landing beaches. So sad to see all those graves.....

[Alan Marsden]

This morning we attended the downtown D-Day service where perhaps a hundred veterans participated, later my attention was drawn to the sky and the distinct smooth hum from the Rolls Royce Merlins powering the lone Lancaster bomber flying over our town. This aircraft is based at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, and is one of only two Lancasters still flying. (http://collections.ic.gc.ca/hamilton/warplane.htm)

Eight days ago my wife and I also visited two well kept war cemeteries in Anzio ,Italy, at such times one can imagine the extreme conditions,hardships and sacrifices experienced by the the participants, and one feels gratitude for their endeviours and sacrifices . We found that reading inscriptions on numerous gravestones and thinking about the participants and events, presented a profound emotional experience.

[David]

Alan; A very interesting link you posted. We here in the Pomona Valley also have a very interesting collection of planes of fame.....
http://www.planesoffame.org/ Doris and I attended the air show at Chino Airport on May 15, with our grandchildren, and were treat to some very acrobatic flying. It is amazing how well preserved some of the planes are kept. I especially enjoyed the US Sabre 'chasing' the Russian MIG....brilliant.

[LDunlop76]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan Marsden
[br We found that reading inscriptions on numerous gravestones and thinking about the participants and events, presented a profound emotional experience.

---

Doesn't it just! Especially reading the ages on the graves - the American ones in Normandy are so frequently of soldiers aged 17 or 18. As the mother of an 18 year old, it makes me want to weep.

A few years back we went to Arromanches. Theres a 360º cinema there showing footage of the Normandy landings. I had tears streaming down my face, watching it - it made it feel so real being in a 360º format. My great-uncle landed at Arromanches on D-Day plus 1, so there's a family tie there. Luckily he survived the war and later emigrated to New Zealand.

[Caroline]

Went to Arromanches 10 years ago and watched the ceremonies from the clifftop, everyone just bright dots on the sands. A Spitfire and two Hurricanes flew right over us and it was impressive and moving to see all the big ships out at sea .

[Caroline]

As you said, Linda.... on our way back, we found a very small cemetery near a fortified farmhouse, mostly soldiers of the Durham Light Infantry. Old friends had been along and put flowers and messages on the graves. Some had only been 17 or 18 years old . Like you, I thought of my own son who was then nearly 18. This made more of an impression than the big events.