80th Anniversary of D-Day #DDay80

 Tomorrow, June 6, 2024, is the 80th anniversary of the world’s largest amphibious operation, led by land, air, and sea forces of the Allied Armies during World War II. The D-Day Landings in Normandy, France ultimately led to the liberation of France and Europe, preserving freedom and defeating Hitler’s Nazi regime. The Battle of Normandy, codename “Operation Overlord”, lasted from June 6, 1944 to August 30, 1944, with the liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944.

The loss of life on D-Day was catastrophic. Over 4,400 Allied troops were killed, with more than 5,000 wounded. The Battle of Normandy saw 73,000 Allied forces killed, and 153,000 wounded. The numbers are unimaginable. 

The last few days have seen celebrations and remembrances begin along the Normandy coast. Veterans from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, Norway, Poland, Australia, and France made their way to honor and remember those who gave the greatest sacrifice. 

I’ve followed much of the proceedings online. It has been heartwarming and so moving to see the number of D-Day veterans who have been able to make the journey; also notable…witnessing the warm welcome and respect those brave individuals have received. The surviving number of WWII veterans is dwindling, with this special celebration likely to be the last the world will see of any who served at that time. How different life would be today if not for them.

Last year, I was fortunate to visit the Normandy coast of France. I stood overlooking the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc; reflected silently at the beauty and serenity of the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where nearly 9,400 US soldiers are buried; and I walked along Omaha Beach, experiencing the peaceful surroundings and unable to imagine the horrors of June 6, 1944. I’ve shared some of my photographs below. Someday I will return. 

We must never forget our veterans and their sacrifice. Cherish the memories of those still amongst us, honor the sacrifices of those who are not. It is with good reason they are known as being part of ‘The Greatest Generation’. 

France

 I recently returned from a trip to France that included visits to Paris, Versailles, and the Normandy coast, with stops at Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. It was a wonderful, itinerary-filled time that I will never forget. 

Below is a screenshot of some of those photos I took, in addition to a few others not from this vacation. In doing it this way, it will at least make it a little harder for the entitled bunch to steal them. 

Honestly, I've gotten really tired of this. So tired that I've consulted an attorney. I will see where this takes me with the copyright and trademark violations, Intellectual Property theft of ideas, harassment and taunting (from the past and going forward). I have a right to this blog and to continue with it; I also own and have rights regarding content. Nearly twelve years of content. 

I have written a few blog posts in the past about this problem. If you like something here, that's great and I appreciate it. If you want to use it, first ask permission. Then give credit and/or monetary compensation for the use of it, especially if you are going to make money from it and claim it as your own. It is what you would demand for your own work, and it's the right thing to do. 

More photographs will be added to my Fine Art America and Pixels sites as I go through them. Please visit Veronica-batterson.pixels.com to take a look. Thanks to all of the honest folks who do!