This Saturday was a cultural and historical experience that made me truly proud of where I come from. Our program, CIDEF (international studies), had an excursion to the beaches of Normandy, France - the location of D-Day during World War II. Of course I had some background knowledge on the subject from previous history classes, but being at the memorials and cemeteries, reading the information and statistics, really put the event into perspective. It was a truly moving experience that changed the way I think about war and national pride.
As Americans studying in France, we are often reminded of the previous tensions between our countries, of the disagreements we have had and the negative stereotypes we hold for each other. However, during our trip to Normandy, our American roots were not only recognized but actually glorified. Even though the battle occurred 70 years ago (the 70th anniversary will be held this June 6), it is clear that the French are still genuinely thankful for our contributions. If it hadn't been for the courage and strength of the American army on June 6 and after, the country of France (and arguably the entirety of Europe) would not be the adored and admired place it is today. In fact, France was so thankful that they actually gave America the land for its cemetery, tax and charge free. So over the weekend I was technically in America (this was accompanied by countless cheesy America and passport jokes - "do we need our passports to be here?").
I did not grow up in a military family, nor do I have any loved ones that were sacrificed in the battle of D-Day in 1944, but even so, visiting the American Cemetery in Normandy felt very personal and brought various emotions. The sheer amount of headstones, shaped in both stars of David and crosses, was breathtaking, especially when you notice that a huge majority of these deaths occurred on the same day, June 6, and when you add in the age of the dead - roughly 17-25 on average. So many of these lives were lost on the very soil I stood on later that day, at both Omaha Beach and Pointe-du-Hoc - absolutely unthinkable. Seeing the enormous dimples left behind from bombs every few feet, and the remaining bunkers with firing holes and hiding spots, made it far too easy to picture the terrible, deadly battle that took place 70 years ago. I became surprisingly angry when I saw two little French boys playing war on the very sight; it seemed so wrong to ever even replicate the awful fight that took place, even if unknowingly by the children.
As someone who hates guns, warfare and fighting in general, I was especially shocked upon viewing actual footage from June 6. I also began watching "Saving Private Ryan," the Steven Spielberg film representing the events of D-Day, and had to look away from all the violence. The realness of the sights I saw this weekend in connection with the believability of the battle in the film were overwhelming. I am lucky to have had the chance to visit Normandy and would recommend all other Americans (and anyone else, of course) to visit if given the opportunity. It was a sad yet educational Saturday that had a bigger impact on me than I ever thought possible.
As Americans studying in France, we are often reminded of the previous tensions between our countries, of the disagreements we have had and the negative stereotypes we hold for each other. However, during our trip to Normandy, our American roots were not only recognized but actually glorified. Even though the battle occurred 70 years ago (the 70th anniversary will be held this June 6), it is clear that the French are still genuinely thankful for our contributions. If it hadn't been for the courage and strength of the American army on June 6 and after, the country of France (and arguably the entirety of Europe) would not be the adored and admired place it is today. In fact, France was so thankful that they actually gave America the land for its cemetery, tax and charge free. So over the weekend I was technically in America (this was accompanied by countless cheesy America and passport jokes - "do we need our passports to be here?").
I did not grow up in a military family, nor do I have any loved ones that were sacrificed in the battle of D-Day in 1944, but even so, visiting the American Cemetery in Normandy felt very personal and brought various emotions. The sheer amount of headstones, shaped in both stars of David and crosses, was breathtaking, especially when you notice that a huge majority of these deaths occurred on the same day, June 6, and when you add in the age of the dead - roughly 17-25 on average. So many of these lives were lost on the very soil I stood on later that day, at both Omaha Beach and Pointe-du-Hoc - absolutely unthinkable. Seeing the enormous dimples left behind from bombs every few feet, and the remaining bunkers with firing holes and hiding spots, made it far too easy to picture the terrible, deadly battle that took place 70 years ago. I became surprisingly angry when I saw two little French boys playing war on the very sight; it seemed so wrong to ever even replicate the awful fight that took place, even if unknowingly by the children.
As someone who hates guns, warfare and fighting in general, I was especially shocked upon viewing actual footage from June 6. I also began watching "Saving Private Ryan," the Steven Spielberg film representing the events of D-Day, and had to look away from all the violence. The realness of the sights I saw this weekend in connection with the believability of the battle in the film were overwhelming. I am lucky to have had the chance to visit Normandy and would recommend all other Americans (and anyone else, of course) to visit if given the opportunity. It was a sad yet educational Saturday that had a bigger impact on me than I ever thought possible.
Grave inscription for unknown soldiers: "Here rests in honored glory a comrade in arms known but to God"