On our last day in Normandy, I decided to visit the cemetery like everyone else. When I stand vigil I do not have the time to visit the graves of the fallen. On the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, I wanted to take the time to thank the soldiers in a personal way, without drawing any attention towards myself. It was important to me to get back to the roots of why I do Project Vigil, and that meant spending time in the cemetery and reflecting. In this last part of the three part series, I will take you along with me in my final visit to the cemetery during my trip to Normandy. You can click on the photos to enlarge them. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.
Richie
One of only three photos of Daddy, aka. "the guy behind the guy."Here he is as we start out on the last day of our trip to Normandy.
My emotional D-Day visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. Together, Daddy and I have come to say thank you and "until we meet again."
At the last visit every year we always stop by to say goodbye to John "Peepnuts" Hale of the Filthy 13. Peepnuts was Jack Womer's good friend and one of the reasons we started Project Vigil. Rest in Peace, Peepnuts. You are loved and missed.
Until we meet again, Phil. I hope I served you well this year.
Here I am saying a heartfelt goodbye to Stanley. When Daddy later asked me what the most emotional part of the trip to Normandy was, I told him, "When I said goodbye to Stanley." Here is a photo of that moment.
Goodbye George. I hope I served your memory well and that you would be proud of me.
Having been to Bedford, Virginia and having read the book, The Bedford Boys, when I came across the marker of this soldier, I was overcome with emotion. Yes, I am hugging his marker. It was a very emotional moment for me. Here he is...
Bedford Hoback of Bedford, VA. Killed on D-Day (on Omaha beach), along with his brother Raymond. The two are buried here at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.
The view from the cemetery: Omaha Beach, where the "Bedford Boys" gave their lives for freedom.
This visit to the cemetery changed me. It brought me back to my roots and reminded me of why I do what I do. Daddy and I can't put into words how much we love our soldiers, so we have to put it into action. We hope we are serving them well through our work in Project Vigil.
On our way out of the cemetery Daddy and I always hold hands. Project Vigil will always be a father and son project that I will be proud of for the rest of my life.
This magnificent 22 ft tall bronze sculpture is called "The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves." Here, on D-Day 2017, it reaches for the heavens.
Once again "The GV" is the last car in the parking lot. Project Vigil's work at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial for 2017 is complete. I am satisfied with my work in the cemetery this year and I am already looking forward to returning next year.
The American flag flying proudly at Omaha beach on D-Day 2017.
Low tide at Omaha beach, 73 years after the invasion. This was our last official stop on our Project Vigil 2017 tour. Thank you for coming along with me on this trip. Until next year!
I promise to remember.