D-day landings scenes in 1944 and now – interactive

Amazing!
Thank you very much!

These are awesome photos. I wish there were more.

I went to Omaha and the surrounding area several years ago on a trip to Paris. I have no idea how much I spent to rent the car for two days and drive to Normandy but it whatever it was, it was worth is. I'd do it again tomorrow if I could.

I posted this on another D-Day thread too. I was able to go to Normandy and the surrounding areas in 2008. I only had a day there but had a retired British Major General who took our small group (4) on a tour of key spots. Three of the folks in my group were former Marines.

We went to Omaha Beach, Utah beach, Point du Hoc and a few other places along near the water. Point du Hoc has been left the way it was with destroyed bunkers, craters and the like. You At the time, you could not get to the spot that Reagan delivered his speech as it was no longer safe due to erosion.

My favorite, the place I have always wanted to see, was the town of St Mere Eglise. I saw it a hundred times in "The Longest Day". They church there in the square has a replica of the parachute (with a dummy) hanging on it as it occurred the might of the invasion. Much of their stained glass windows have been changed and have US Military insignia, parachutes and the like in them. They still love Americans there. It is refreshing to go there when compared to cities like Paris. The folks in the small towns have never forgotten.

I also visited a German cemetery which is as sharp contrast to the US Cemeteries. Very dark, modest etc.

The bluffs overlooking Omaha from the cemetery are stunning. A walk along the beach gives you great perspective and a sense of the enfilading/sweeping fire the Germans could lay down.

The cemetery at Omaha is stunning. It is immaculate and perfectly maintained. The US Battlefield Memorial Commission takes care of all of the US cemeteries around the world. They do incredible work honoring those buried there.

I could write a thousand words and not describe what I say and felt in just one full day of the personalized tour. I could have spent a week there easily. If it is on your bucket list, move it to the top.

A few pics attached. Point du Hoc, The church in St Mere Eglise, Omaha Beach and a hat tip to the National Guard folks here on RP. This is the memorial to the National Guard of the United States on Omaha Beach.