Our Three Strand Life: Exploring Continued: D-Day Memorial

Since moving here, I've noticed the signs for a D-Day memorial, always peaking my interest of course! I'm an enormous fan of history ~ I always have been. When other little girls were playing with dolls, I was charging down hills with my Civil War soldiers' hat and sticks. When I did play with Barbies (which, for the record, was so my younger sister would like playing with me!) my Barbies' husbands were off serving in a war. Not to mention, the husbands were actual G.I. Joe action figures... But anyway!

On our way back through southern country land, the sign "D-Day Memorial, X miles" screamed at us to be visited. It was an easy yes. Not exactly sure what to expect (would this be entirely cheesy considering it was somewhat in the middle of no where? Or surprisingly awesome?) we purchased our tickets and set out on the outdoor memorial.

Let me just say..... It was Surprisingly Awesome.

Every detail was meticulously and thoughtfully planned out in a way that honored the planning process. The tour began here with General Dwight D. Eisenhower (surrounded by busts of those who assisted) in the planning of the invasion known as Overlord.

Continuing on... Taken from the memorial's website, "The text of General Eisenhower’s Order of the Day appears on three bronze panels emplaced beneath an enamel of the SHAEF shoulder patch. On either side of the order, the major units that landed in D-Day are chronicled on individual plaques. The flowers in the photograph’s foreground replicate the rainbow at the top of the SHAEF patch, which itself incorporates the colors of the AEF nations that fly alongside Overlord Arch."

Oh what a familiar sight, that "1" is! My handsome husband standing with the plaque of the division he served with for the last 5 years of his life! It's something to be proud of!

The names of all the service members who lost their lives in the invasion are remembered in these plaques that stretched across the length of two stone walls. Nearly 2,000 names are memorialized here. A somber sight.

"the Memorial’s generalized landing tableau represents the AEF’s action on all five beaches. Vigorous figurative sculpture, beach obstacles, a stylized landing craft, and simulations of impacting defensive fire combine to convey Operation Overlord’s epic scope."

"Scaling the Wall, Jim Brothers’ tribute to the Allies’ special units that participated in D-Day, soars above the landing tableau. Standing in its shadow, many of the Memorial’s visitors pause to and ask themselves: How in the world did those men do all they did? A stunning treatment of teamwork, Scaling the Wall also animates the qualities of valor, fidelity, and sacrifice that give the Memorial its reason for being. The sculpture, like the Memorial itself, is not a celebration of war but rather a monument to character and cry for peace." (-The National D-Day Memorial Foundation)

To remember the experience...

What struck me most about this memorial was the serenity of it all. The beaches of Normandy were hell on earth ~ chaotic in every way imaginable. But 66 years later, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the memory is peacefully honored.

This moment symbolizes "Victory"

It was really just incredible to see it all laid out...With the impact of a word picture, this memorial brought the reality and importance of the invasion home... It was so beautifully done. No shreds of Hollywood to be seen, nor over-the-top exaggeration... It was just perfect.