By Ashlee Ciccone and Renee Carfagno
Visiting the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial was an emotional and empowering experience to say the least. It was interesting to find out that the American government, and tax payers, pay to maintain the grounds on all American cemeteries. The Italian marble crosses or Stars of David that represent lost soldiers, or those that represent unknown soldiers were lined up in such a way that no matter which direction you were looking, a perfect line can be seen (similar to Brittany and Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium). Something that was particularly striking was the fact that all of the unknown soldiers were buried with crosses, and none with Stars of David. Is it possible that some of the unknown soldiers were Jewish?
Visiting the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial was an emotional and empowering experience to say the least. It was interesting to find out that the American government, and tax payers, pay to maintain the grounds on all American cemeteries. The Italian marble crosses or Stars of David that represent lost soldiers, or those that represent unknown soldiers were lined up in such a way that no matter which direction you were looking, a perfect line can be seen (similar to Brittany and Flanders Field American Cemetery in Belgium). Something that was particularly striking was the fact that all of the unknown soldiers were buried with crosses, and none with Stars of David. Is it possible that some of the unknown soldiers were Jewish?
Grave Sites at the American Cemetery in Normandy
Each Stockton student received an American flag to place at the grave of their choice. A photo was taken of some, which will be used for a future project. It was also interesting to find out that only three African American soldiers are buried there, two males, and one female. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is also buried there, his cross decorated with gold lettering to represent his award of the Medal of Honor, and his brother is buried next to him. We also found out that American film, Saving Private Ryan is loosely based on the lives of the real Niland brothers, two of whom are buried next to each other at the cemetery.
At the end of the day, we reflected after the flag lowering ceremony. I think it is safe to say, we all felt proud to be American at that moment, despite the troubled times were are having politically at home.
What a humbling journey.
ReplyDeleteThe brilliant white, and stunning placement of the grave-markers has me in awe. The design of the Cemetery and its allure sheds light on the U.S. military's physical appearance; clean-cut, uniform. The sea of grave-markers allows visitors to visualize the "numbers" of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Very humbling journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed the tid-bit historical information you shared with the reader. I was not aware of the fact that Roosevelt J.R. was buried at this Cemetery as well as the information on Saving Private Ryan and its connections to two of the soldiers buried there. Fascinating.
I would say it is safe to assume that some of the unknown soldiers were possibly Jewish.
How interesting it much have been to realize only three people of color were buried there and amongst the three was a female. Not often do woman get the credit of participating in battle. Most are seen as the brave nurses, behind the scenes, who nursed the soldiers back to health and prepared them for the next battle. I wonder if the woman buried was a nurse too, or was she a soldier?
ReplyDeleteGreat post! This must have been an amazing sight to see. I cannot believe only three African American soldiers were buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The fact one of them was a woman is even more interesting, because woman usually do not get the credit that they deserve. Other interesting parts of your post is the fact Theodore Roosevelt Jr. is buried there, Saving Private Ryan is based off of the real lives of the Niland brothers, and each Stockton student could pay their respects by placing an American flag at the grave of their choice. If I ever visit, I will definitely pay my respects. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog. I could only imagine how this could have been emotional, I too would have been. The picture is beautiful and its so nice to know that they are kept up and maintained , as they should be. Such a historical sight, I can imagine the beauty. It's also amazing how only three people of color were buried there, I would not have thought this. This was a great blog and I will make sure this is on my to do list when visiting. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this post, I really enjoyed reading it. You bring up a very thoughtful and true point about how all of the unidentified soldiers were just assumed to be of a christian faith with the crosses. A point that i'm sure is often overlooked by most of the visitors. I'm sure it was very moving to see this in person as the photo alone is a touching one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great blog. The reason I say this each soldier was thought of to have a cross and their plot is well taken care of. It saddens me to know that these soldiers were not claimed or couldn't be claimed by love ones for varies reasons. The good thing about it is someone thought it not robbery to give them a proper burial and make sure their resting place is well taken care of to show appreciation for their service.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic blog, such a sobering experience to be experiencing these places. The death toll of the great wars was catastrophic standing in those places imagining the suffering that took place there has to be really hard, the Americans when they entered the war really helped to turn the tides and helped to put an end to this awful war.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a powerful journey. The air must have felt heavier and the environment still. It is good to know that the deaths of these Americans is not forgotten and that we spend money to preserve their memory. I cannot imagine what they went though on that day and hope I never have to but I am thankful for their sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteI thought this post was so interesting! I found this post to be so insightful and I learned a lot from it like that the United States government pays to maintain all American cemeteries. I could not imagine the emotions that are felt when walking through a cemetery full of unmarked soldiers with crosses over them. I really liked the point you made about the crosses too, which makes me wonder how many soldiers are not being represented by their correct religion. Your post truly opened my eyes to the many experiences that can be had on vacation, besides the typical "going to the beach" and I will definitely look out for experiences like this the next time I travel.
ReplyDeleteThis post stood out to me because I did not know there was an American cemetary for Normady in France. I have been to the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier near Washington D.C. and watching the guard at the tomb is very powerful. Then seeing the fields of crosses and graves is very moving because it is hard to belive that so many people gave their lives for the freedoms we hold today. Truly proud to be an American, Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe picture is beautiful! its wonderful to know that the American government pays to maintain the cemetery. What I found interesting was how the unknown soldiers were buried with crosses assuming to be of Christian faith. I think it was really nice that all Stockton students were able to pay respects with the flag that was provided for them. That for sharing!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I want to say that I loved the picture and instantly felt moved when I was scrolling. Even though cemeteries are not places that are happy, they are places that you do feel deep emotion regardless of who you are. It was very interesting to read in your post how the unknown soldiers all had crosses and not a Star of David, because it is true, they could have been Jewish. But it is just amazing to see rows and rows of people who fought for something that they believed in and that they wanted so bad. I also LOVE that America is funding the maintenance of all of the graves, because that is such an amazing thing to do. Good work!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, you raise a very interesting point when noting that all unknown soldiers were buried with a cross and not a star of David or some other commemorative emblem that would not dictate a religious affiliation. This is something I was completely unaware of, and I feel it would be best to not assume a religion or bury someone under symbol of religion, and instead utilize a symbol that did not pertain to a God. Lastly, I wish I could have been a part of the group of Stockton students who were able to place an American flag at the grave sites of fallen soldiers.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post. I was lucky enough when in France to visit this place as well as the actual beach in Normandy that was stormed. Though civilians use the beach today, they do not let them in the water there in case there are old bombs and mines still left unseen in the water from D-Day! The Cemetery was one of the most humbling and moving days of my life, its hard to picture what actually was lost that day until you see it up close and in those numbers. The graves stretch over acres and acres.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience. The picture is very moving. I've been to France but not Normandy and it is definitely on my bucket list. My grandfather and his brothers all served in the war and this post is a reminder of the bravery of the men from this generation.
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