Normandy-Some Gave All!

Today we honor those who have protected us and our way of live since the original "Tea Party"

I am reposting the visit Bob and I made to 

Normandy last November

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2011

SOME GAVE ALL!!

IT'S UP TO US TO REMEMBER!!

Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

On November 2, 2010 Bob and I were standing here. You may remember, that was National Election Day in the USA.  That fact was not lost on the little group of Americans who visited Normandy, France with us that day.

Tears came to my eyes when I thought about the young men who gave their lives here June 6, 1945.

Without their sacrifice we might not have had the same election that we were having. I wondered if anyone in my homeland made that connection as they cast their vote (Bob and I had voted earlier).

To a size of 172.5 acres, the Normandy American Cemetery has 9,387 burials of US service men and women. Of this number, some 307 are unknowns, three are Medal of Honour winners and four are women. In addition there are 33 pairs of brothers buried side by side. It is estimated that 5,000 died on D-Day at Omaha Beach.(This paragraph of text and additional information can be found HERE.I took all of the photographs on that visit.)

The English Channel in the background

All Faiths

These young men were from all over the USA and Territories

The spirit in this place was strange. There was a peace of sort but a troubled air. Don't think I am crazy but I felt a sense of unfulfilled promise. I looked across this vast field of monuments and wondered what amazing things the young souls could have accomplished? Was there a cure for cancer or miracle drug among these plots? It is a sad place but you come away with renewed resolve and dedication to our Freedom. It must be guarded and defended. These souls deserve no less.

"The Sprit of American Youth Rising from the Waves"

This weekend as we cookout, swim, visit with friends and family or just veg out remember that Freedom is Not Free! It was paid for and we will continue to pay the price. As you look into the faces of your children, ponder.Will we be willing to Give All. THEY DID!

GOD BLESS THE USA

I am linking to these great parties:

Season Sunday

Sunday Favorites

Blue Monday

W T C Memorial

I can't believe we missed that terrible storm!

Thank goodness!
It was so beautiful on the Saturday we visited!


World Trade Center Memorial

October 22, 2011

I will be sharing all the pictures from my trip soon.

The visit to the WTC Memorial was the most memorable to me so I thought I would share these pictures first. 

We arrived early Saturday a.m. Our cruise ship docked at Pier 92 in Manhattan. We made the short jaunt to Pier 84 to get the Water Taxi.

The aircraft carrier "Intrepid" can be viewed from the little park where we waited for the Water Taxi.


We made our way to Battery Park to disembark for a short walk the WTC Memorial.

This orb was a feature of the original WTC site. It was recovered and now occupies a featured spot in Battery Park.
As we walked in lower Manhattan, we passed a couple of  interesting sights in NYC. This is why I love NYC so much. There is always something interesting going on and there are always humorous sightings.

In NYC accommodations are made for everyone and everything. We saw one, low placed, water faucet with a sign above "Doggie Bar".

I think I got this pic on the way back to Battery Park.

Kim couldn't understand why I wanted this picture. Duh! This guy was probably a slow reader, huh!


When we arrived at the WTC Memorial security was as tight as the airport. We were lucky enough to have secured a couple of passes for the day. Believe me, this is one hard ticket to get. The passes are timed and we were admitted with the 11:15 a.m. group. 
Having visited ground zero on two previous occasions, I was pleased, to finally sense a spirit of calm. The memorial is beautifully done. 

The memorial offers enough space to move about without seeming crushed. I was glad to see large granite blocks placed about, providing a place to sit and reflect. The waterfalls on the original footprint of the fallen towers are powerful. All victims names were engraved in the massive bronze frames around the waterfalls.
It is hard to keep from tearing while reading the names.  One young woman's name was followed by...

"and unborn child".

For some reason I could not bring myself to photograph the complete names. Since I did not know any of the victims I felt to photograph the names was an invasion of privacy. I know that may seem strange. Just me.

This is the "Survivor Tree". This pear tree was originally on the WTC site. It was discovered, alive, in the rubble, taken off site, nurtured and brought back. You can read about it HERE!

This photo gives you a sense of the spaciousness of the memorial with people moving about, relaxing and reading. It was nice to see children all about.


You can see some of the, approximately 400, Swamp White Oak trees planted on the sight. They will eventually create an oasis in this area of the city.

The reflective building seen here will be a museum when finished. 

Of course the "Survivor Tree" has a place of honor. 

"One World Trade Center"

It is evident and comforting that the "One World Trade Center" Building is beginning to dominate the skyline of New York City. It can be seen from almost any place in lower Manhattan and from the shoreline.


This building represents the spirit of the American people and our strength of survival and renewal. I hope you enjoyed my perspective on the World Trade Center Memorial.

God Bless America!

I will be posting more or our visit to NYC and the rest of our cruise later. I wanted the WTC Memorial to stand alone.

Please leave a comment and let me know if you enjoyed the visit.
Please join me to visit the following parties:
Tuesday's Treasures
Wednesday's Bunny Hop Party
Outdoor Wednesday's
Wow Us Wednesday