Here are a few pictures taken by Antoine, one French student of St Witz high school who went to visit the American cemetery of Coleville sur Mer. It took us 5 hours to reach Coleville because of heavy traffic in Paris. Once there, we had a nice picnick over Omaha beach , visited the American center and had the chance to see a few war veterans at the Memorial. It was a very emotional moment for everyone. Then we headed to Courseulles sur Mer where we visited the Juno Beach Canadian Museum and had a guided tour of a bunker on the beach with a Canadian guide. The weather was sunny and windy. The way back home was faster. We arrived at 8.30 . The students quite enjoyed themselves when we rode across Paris as they saw the Eiffel tower scintillating for them at 8.00. It was great fun for both French and American students together. Some really get along by now!
Thanks for these images. The American cemetery is a very personal experience, and having seen a clip of the violence of the landings at school in St-Witz, it was yet again a special feeling for me to walk along those paths. To be in France - but on American soil - honoring those interred there, hearing the national anthem and taps played, is something you can only experience individually in the moment. I've been several times, and it still affects me just as much - perhaps more! - each time I am there. I know that some of our students found it very moving as well. I'll add my few pictures from Omaha soon too.
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