Visit Omaha Beach in Normandy

There are places we remember…  Omaha Beach and other D-Day sites in Normandy should never be forgotten. This is where Americans, along with Allied forces, fought to liberate France from its German occupation. This battle had a huge impact on ending World War II.  The American Role on D-Day was the most significant. Many, mostly young soldiers, lost their lives while fighting for freedom of a foreign country. Thanks to their bravery, today we can visit Omaha Beach in Normandy, a memorial to honor the brave.

Americans in Normandy

On a beautiful summer day, I visited Omaha Beach in Normandy. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and the beach was almost empty. If not for the dramatic sculpture right on the sand, no one would ever guess that the page of history was turned there.

I knew about the American Role on D-Day, but the blood of the brave washed away over 70 years ago. It was hard to imagine the horror that took place there. The waves gently crushed the shore, like nothing ever happened.

When entering the beach, a group of soldiers walked by. They were young, baby faces, just like many soldiers who lost their lives in this bloody battle.  Scenes from the movie Saving Private Ryan came to mind. This visualization gave me chills.

History of D-Day Landings

The D-Day Landings were the most vital part of the greater Operation Overlord. The Normandy Landings, also called Operation Neptune, turned out to be a crucial battle towards the liberation of Europe from years of German military occupation.

The Allies selected Normandy as the landing site for the invasion because it provided the best access to France’s interior. They had divided the 60-mile coast into five sectors named Sword, Juno, Gold, Omaha, and Utah.

The major D-Day Landings began in the early morning of June 6, 1944. Over 60,000 soldiers stormed the Nazi-fortified coastline of Normandy from more than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft. 

British forces were predominant at Sword and Gold, Canadians led at Juno. The American troops who landed at Omaha Beach suffered the worst on D-Day. The infantry coming ashore were decimated by German fire across the long beach.

Places to Visit Omaha Beach

1. Les Braves Sculpture
2. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
3. Memorial and the Walls of the Missing
4. The Visitor Center

You need at least half a day to visit Omaha sites. Start with the beach then spend few hours at the memorial.

1. Les Braves Sculpture

Nothing describes the sculpture better than a quote from the artist: I created this sculpture to honor the courage of these men: sons, husbands and fathers, who endangered and often sacrificed their lives in the hope of freeing the French people.

Les Braves consists of three elements:
The Wings of Hope
Rise, Freedom!
The Wings of Fraternity

2. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

Overlooking Omaha Beach, between Arromanches and Grandcamp Maisy, this 70-hectare site is dedicated to honoring the American role on D-day in Normandy. The memorial delivers a power remembrance of the horror of war.

American Cemetery

Well kept and beautifully located, the cemetery holds the graves of 9,387 American soldiers fallen in combat during the liberation of Normandy.

3. Memorial and the Walls of the Missing

Here, you will find the names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the Normandy campaign but could not be located and/or identified. They are inscribed on the walls of a semicircular garden at the east side of the memorial.

At the center of the Memorial, you will see a 22-foot bronze statue entitled The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves by Donald De Lue.

4. The Visitor Center

The Visitor Center pays homage to the courage and the skills of Allied forces who conducted Operation Overlord to ensure Europe’s liberation. The entrance is free.

As Polish immigrant to America, I felt moved holding the Polish and American flag at once. These two nations, both close to my heart, fought side by side on D-day.

Gratitude of people of Normandy

Visitors from all over the world come to visit Omaha Beach. I noticed a lot of French people there. They come to honor the American soldiers who fought for their land. Outside of the memorial, many business and private homes proudly display the thank you signs and American flags.

Other places to visit in Normandy:

9 Day itinerary in Northern France – a road trip from Paris 

Visiting UNESCO Heritage Site of Mont Saint Michel