Humbled by History... Day 2 in Normandy

This is the memorial at the Ardenne Abbey for the 18 Canadian soldiers that were executed here, under the orders of a German General that later served only 10 years of his life sentence for the atrocity that he oversaw here. The soldiers are honoured here with their photos (see next photo)
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The film begins with a split screen - on one side the allied military, air and naval units prepare for battle, and for their journey across the English channel, and on the other side the germans perpare their counter attack along the coast of Northern France.

On June 6, 1944 the ships came over the foggy horizon and the thousands of soldiers from Britain, America and Canada jumped out running, wadding towards the shore... into the battle zone.  Gun shots flying at them from every direction... some dropped to the ground while others had to continue into the line of fire ... determined, courageous, and with a great purpose.

while others had to continue into the line of fire ... determined, courageous, and with a great purpose

...and the previously hidden burial site marked with Canadian flags. It was years before the bodies were discovered, revealing the bloody history of this secluded location - where supply rations for German troops were worth more than the lives of Canadian soldiers.
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The liberation of France began the retreat of Nazi control.  Britain was a pending target... just across the English Channel.  If these men had not risked their lives (and in tens of thousands of cases - GIVEN their lives)... had they not fought against the looming opression...  we can only imagine how far the atrocities of Nazi tyrany would have gone.

Inspired by the D-Day film in Caen and from being on the Beaches, what I am describing are my thoughts and the visual pictures that I have running through my head after being in the Normandy region over the duration of a few days...

The street sign reads: Place des Canadiens. The people of these communities, still greatful to Canadians, lived through the war with them and saw much bloodshed. Here, 14 Canadian soldiers were lined up, shot only to be wounded, and left to suffer... (continued next pic)
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I often take it for granted... but I feel privileged to be free - and to be CANADIAN