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We packed up and moved out by 10:30. By noon we reached Juno beach, where Canada has a museum, "Juno Beach Centre". This is the only Canadian museum in Normandy, and the guides are Canadians as well. The founder, who has since passed on, was a D-Day veteran.
Our visit began with a short film in a a simulated landing craft; to get the feeling of being in the ocean, and landing on Juno beach. After the film we entered interactive rooms that gave us insight into the lives of children and adults living in Canada during WW2, also Canadian soldiers living away from home serving in the army. The more we read and listened, the more humbled we were by the sheer bravery and determination of Canadian soldiers. Aside from Omaha beach, Juno beach was the most difficult to take hold of. None of the Canadian men involved in D-Day were conscripted. The entire group volunteered and despite unthinkable obstacles, they secured the area; and that was only the beginning.
It was emotional to imagine boys just two years older than Brennin leaving home. We read letters that soldiers sent home. Their young spirit, strong sense of purpose, and determination came through in their writing.
The film that we watched before leaving
led us through D-day. We heard the voices of veterans recalling events of the day. When we left the room it was hard to talk - even for the kids. There was a lot to reflect on and to be thankful for.
We walked out onto the beach. Not much is placed near the beach, leaving it a beautiful, but eerie expanse. An old bunker, 2 artillery guns and tall cross stand alone as reminders of what happened.
A short drive away is a cemetery for Canadian soldiers that lost their lives in Normandy, predominantly on D-day.
The cemetery is kept immaculate, gardeners tend to flowers at each grave. We walked through reading where the soldiers were from and noting how young most were.
We definitely will wear our poppies on Rememberence Day with a new respect. All of us agreed that every Canadian should try to visit this area.
We left feeling thankful and blessed.
Continuing our drive we found our next campground in Dol-de-Bretagne called
Château des Ormes. This site is close to Mont Saint-Michele. The kids were excited to see how many activities there were. Aside from the pools this campground has a golf course, horse riding, lakes, soccer courts, zip lining and more. We ate supper on the restaurant patio. The kids went out exploring and scouted out a walking path. They came back to bring us along. Walking past a small lake we could see fancy tree houses that families rent to camp in. Our trailer here is less spacious than the last one, but more spacious than the first one.
We like the way they divide the campsites with neatly trimmed tall hedges.
We all wished we would have booked 3 nights here instead of two because of all the activities available.
- comments
Oma and Opa Dear Laura and Tim, here is already June 24, so today you will make your trip to the Pyrenees, a very interesting and changing landscape. After the experiences in London, Paris and the West Coast of France you now will be very much in nature, rugged nature. The tunnel at Vielha is a beautiful tunnel, and it saves you a lot of mountain tops. Calgary has started to "rebuild and dry-out" after the flooding, now Medicine Hat and Lethbridge are very worried. We will see Rod and Laurie at their house on Wednesday night, to deliver three very nice bar stools for Toby. Much love from us, also for Anneke. Thank you for letting us experience Juno Beach.
Trudy Well said be thankful and blessed. This must have been an eye opener for the kids. Now you are on your way to Spain. A Blessed Birthday on the 25th. Say hi to Anneke and have a great stay. Love and hugs for everyone . EPS-sniffing dog Oreo is doing very well. Till next time.
Deborah Thanks so much for the great writing it truly made me understand how you must have felt so close to the reality of the great sacrifice they did for us all! Love and God Bless!