About 15 years ago, my dad (retired US Navy and lost his father to WWII) traveled to Normandy with my mom, aunt, and uncle. Rather stoic, he was very moved by the memorials. On the way back to the car park, an elderly woman stopped them and asked in French if they were American. My dad spoke French well and asked if she needed help. She threw her arms around him and said “Bless you and thank you! We French are grateful and will never forget you!” ❤️ Dad’s father was a submarine captain, one of the first sub casualties of the war in the Pacific.
A haunting spot. We are lucky to have so many brave ancestors who fought (and also died) there. I had an uncle who survived but he chose not to tell about his experiences.
I love your posts and I’m living vicariously through you! If Trump gets elected I’m moving to Portugal! I’ll quote Davy Crockett “You may all go to hell and I will go to Portugal”, except he came to Texas.😂
Freedom is not Free and it is Not for Sale. Too many MAGAs wrongfully think that they will save a few $ in their taxes and are willing to sell the freedom of minorities by voting for the convicted felon.
Thank you Nancy for sharing. And yes, "Freedom" is not free. My father was in U.S. Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when WWII began. Thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms no matter where you live in the world.
I look forward to visiting at some point in the future. Sometimes it takes a place or moment like this for the impact of history to hit, and then it continues to resonate.
I believe you went through Copenhagen too. If you ever get back, in Osterport, there’s a “communications” museum. It seems very child oriented for the first two floors—you can play “post office” or connect phone calls through a switchboard. But the top floor has an entirely different feel: it talks a lot about the history of communication, including the occupation during WWII, as well as how misinformation and its strategic use has been around a long time. The “vibe”, if you will, was strong enough that my 8 year old begged to leave.
As an adult voting in the upcoming election, it was a reminder and a warning of many things.
Please let me know if you do! Lots of recommendations for places I don't think necessarily make the regular tourist lists. Also, I'm on my laptop and can supply the museum name now, and it's https://www.enigma.dk/.
Very interesting commentary thank you. Just a little note about the Channel Islands. I’ve been there a few times to Guernsey as a friend of mine is from there. so here’s a small correction it does not belong to France. From Chat GPT:
The Channel Islands, which consist of two main groups (the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey), are Crown dependencies of the United Kingdom. This means they are self-governing territories with their own legal systems and governments but are not part of the United Kingdom itself. They are under the sovereignty of the British Crown, which is responsible for their defense and international representation. The islands are not part of the European Union or the UK, but they have a special relationship with both entities.
Lovely post and thanks for throwing in Kamala at the end!
About 15 years ago, my dad (retired US Navy and lost his father to WWII) traveled to Normandy with my mom, aunt, and uncle. Rather stoic, he was very moved by the memorials. On the way back to the car park, an elderly woman stopped them and asked in French if they were American. My dad spoke French well and asked if she needed help. She threw her arms around him and said “Bless you and thank you! We French are grateful and will never forget you!” ❤️ Dad’s father was a submarine captain, one of the first sub casualties of the war in the Pacific.
Very moving. Thanks for sharing.
A haunting spot. We are lucky to have so many brave ancestors who fought (and also died) there. I had an uncle who survived but he chose not to tell about his experiences.
Great write-up. We were there last spring. Very impressive and moving
Beautiful experience!👍
I love your posts and I’m living vicariously through you! If Trump gets elected I’m moving to Portugal! I’ll quote Davy Crockett “You may all go to hell and I will go to Portugal”, except he came to Texas.😂
Freedom is not Free and it is Not for Sale. Too many MAGAs wrongfully think that they will save a few $ in their taxes and are willing to sell the freedom of minorities by voting for the convicted felon.
This was a very interesting post! The history of these Normandy beaches are key to the freedom that Europeans enjoy today.
Looking forward to your Stack about Bordeaux, as my wife & I will be visiting it in October. Right after we’ve visited the Algarve.
Thank you Nancy for sharing. And yes, "Freedom" is not free. My father was in U.S. Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 when WWII began. Thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the freedoms no matter where you live in the world.
I look forward to visiting at some point in the future. Sometimes it takes a place or moment like this for the impact of history to hit, and then it continues to resonate.
I believe you went through Copenhagen too. If you ever get back, in Osterport, there’s a “communications” museum. It seems very child oriented for the first two floors—you can play “post office” or connect phone calls through a switchboard. But the top floor has an entirely different feel: it talks a lot about the history of communication, including the occupation during WWII, as well as how misinformation and its strategic use has been around a long time. The “vibe”, if you will, was strong enough that my 8 year old begged to leave.
As an adult voting in the upcoming election, it was a reminder and a warning of many things.
We saw that museum but didn’t know to stop. Thanks for the recommendation…i do think we will be back.
Please let me know if you do! Lots of recommendations for places I don't think necessarily make the regular tourist lists. Also, I'm on my laptop and can supply the museum name now, and it's https://www.enigma.dk/.
Go somewhere for a nice pastry after, you'll need it. (This isn't too far and is really lovely: https://petitcafe.dk/index.php/our-menu/)
Very interesting commentary thank you. Just a little note about the Channel Islands. I’ve been there a few times to Guernsey as a friend of mine is from there. so here’s a small correction it does not belong to France. From Chat GPT:
The Channel Islands, which consist of two main groups (the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey), are Crown dependencies of the United Kingdom. This means they are self-governing territories with their own legal systems and governments but are not part of the United Kingdom itself. They are under the sovereignty of the British Crown, which is responsible for their defense and international representation. The islands are not part of the European Union or the UK, but they have a special relationship with both entities.
What will it cost for Kamala Harris to care about Palestinian lives and freedom?