D-Day

We have been on a lot of trips while we have lived here in Europe, but few have had the impact that standing on the beaches of Normandy on June 6th had on Jackson, Kathryn and Joshua.  Geof made it a priority for them to be there on the 68th Anniversary of the storming of the beaches; the day thousands of American soldiers gave their lives in order to liberate France from Nazi control.

They were able to walk the beaches of Omaha, Utah and Pointe Du Hoc.

They had the privilege of shaking hands with men who survived that day...

and meet the General who spoke during the ceremony.  He gave the kids some great advice,"Life is hard. So study hard, because it is even harder if your stupid."  I have so much respect for a man who isn't afraid to tell it like it is!

They walked through the bunkers that harbored the Nazi soldiers and the kids were able to see first hand why it was such a significant accomplishment for the allied forces to finally gain control of the beaches.

But most importantly, they counted the crosses that marked the great cost of that victory.

I have to hand it to Geof, he is a really great dad.  Although he thought the Eiffel Tower was fun and the Colosseum cool, this historical lesson was the most important to him.  At the D-Day Memorial our children learned of true sacrifice, service and freedom.  And after living in a foreign country for over a year, we are all more proud than ever to be Americans!