[2021] Commemorating June 6th, 1944, D-Day

When I was 19, I had the unique opportunity to visit Omaha Beach and pay tribute to the United States and Allied veterans who served on D-Day.

I was touring France with a music ensemble I was in during college. We were coming from Bayeux, and the morning was chilly and sunny-- not a cloud in the sky. We arrived at the Normandie American Cemetery, and I was immediately humbled by the seemingly endless rows of headstones. There are 9,386 graves in that cemetery, and beyond them are steep cliffs that lead to a massive beach. There were kite surfers in the water, and I remember feeling incredibly small looking at the pure size of the beach between the ocean and the cliffs.

I thought of American soldiers traveling across the Atlantic Ocean only to arrive at what many describe as "an impossible situation"-- I understood why historians call the Normandy landings chaotic, disorganized, and confusing. Literally, everything was stacked against Allied forces, but they persisted until they achieved their objective. France would be liberated soon after, and the Allies would inevitably win the war. Their service in WWII will never go without remembrance and honor.

We sang a spiritual on the steps of the memorial. I didn't know it at the time, but this would be one of the most significant performances I was a part of. To me, the lyrics resonated heavily with both the tragedy and victory that happened on June 6th, 1944.

My Lord, what a mornin'

My Lord, what a mornin'…

Oh, My Lord, what a mornin' when the stars began to fall

When the stars began to fall

Have you ever been to a historical battle site? If so, I would love to hear about your experience!

Respectfully,

Sail