NORMANDY 2




A spot where there once was a gun

 The land all around Pointe Du Hoc was covered with craters. The Americans B-17 bombers had laid waste to the German casements. The allies had been bombing this spot before the invasion even began! The American Rangers who scaled these cliffs had been hand-picked from the ranks. When I stood at the top of the cliff, it was hard to imagine scaling the cliff. (not to mention the guns) When the Rangers finally took the cliff (only 17 out of the 300) their objective, the german battery, had been moved. Apparently Romel had expected the attack. However, the attack had not all been in vain. There were still two guns left. One extremely brave Ranger ran towards the bunkers dodging bullets as he ran. When he finally reached the first bunker he killed the gunners and through in a thermite grenade. The second gun the same fate. (yes, he survived.)

 


 



The WWII Museum was amazing. When you first enter the parking lot, you ar greeted by the barrels of an M1 Sheman, Tank destoyer, Churchills Crocodile, and last a Panzer. When you enter the museum you are surrounded by dioramas and maps. There are little televisions at every section showing short film reels. At the end there is a theatre showing a thirty-minute film about D-day. (can't miss) After the film we went to the gift-shop, which was filled with cool but over priced gifts. When we left Daisy made good use of the tanks.

When you get there it not the cemetery first. Its a museum and theatre. when your done there you go on a walk towards the cemetery. The American cemetery was amazing. When I walked through the acres and acres of graves I realized just how many young men died to liberate people they didn't even know. While we were there the flag was lowered, of course there were trumpets and veterans. This was too much for some people. soon half the people there were crying. It was really touching to see all the people paying their respects to the fallen warriors.The monument was really cool too. When we left I got to see the graves of the brothers from "Saving Private Ryan." when we left it started to rain which added to the effect. To see all the graves was one heck of an experience.