In 2010, my husband and I went on a journey to locate the grave of my Uncle Harry whose Lancaster bomber had been shot down on June 13, 1944, near Cambrai, France. All six crew members had perished.
We discovered they are buried in a small Allied cemetery in the middle of farmland rather than in one of the major cemeteries in France. It was quite an experience just finding it, but that’s a story for another day. When I inquired as to why they were in that location, the Office of Military Affairs explained that they had been buried there by the nearby villagers at the time and so would remain close to where they had died. The cemetery was immaculately tended … and watched over by curious cows.
As a child, I had always been intrigued by stories about my Uncle Harry, the youngest of 5 boys, and only 20 years old when he died. There were framed photos of him in his uniform with a dazzling smile in my parents’ and grandparents’ homes. You could feel his pride.
When we went on our mission to ‘find Uncle Harry’, we also spent a few days in Normandy and did the tours of the WW2 landing beaches, something I recommend to everyone who has the opportunity. It’s an emotional experience as the history of the war becomes vividly presented by guides who must take courses in this information and pass exams before receiving a license to guide. The French take the preservation of this history very seriously and are to be commended for doing so.
As we toured the museums and memorial centres, it struck me that in so many of the photographs of men and women in service for their country, pride was stirringly evident in their expressions. It seems to go with the wearing of the uniform and the understanding of what that represents.
Thank you to every one of the members of armed services – past and present – for putting yourself in danger for your country and taking on that onerous task with such pride. We are proud of you and very grateful.
Thank you, Uncle Harry.
Wear your poppy proudly. Please make certain to preserve and keep alive the stories of the members of your families who have served in the armed forces. Always remember. In doing some research, I discovered this excellent video. It only pertains to the American cemeteries but could be talking about all of the Allied burial grounds.
No matter what our country, our hearts are touched by the selfless giving of all who serve. The museums and preserved landing beaches of Normandy offer an emotional lesson in history to all who have the good fortune to visit there.
Most Canadians proudly wear a poppy for a week or so before November 11th to show their respect for veterans. Here’s an explanation of how the poppy came to be such a strong symbol of remembrance, from the Canoe.ca website.
Wonderful story, Patricia. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Fransi.
A most moving tribute. It’s some years since I’ve visited an Allied Cemetery, but my memories are as fresh as if it were yesterday. Do you know the musical version of ‘In Flanders fields’? This isn’t a particularly good version, I think, but it gives an idea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyQyhVXUwM0
Margaret, thank you for sharing that here. I agree that those memories simply never fade.
Nice post today Patricia, honoring veterans everywhere…yours is most interesting. My father was a young 19 year old US Army Air Corps gunner during WWII and what the crew thought was a practice run over France, turned into their first mission where they were shot down and became POW’s in Germany. He’s been gone three years now. I believe this generation was the best and bravest of heros.
I agree completely with your comment about that generation of service people. Times and war have definitely changed. I’m so glad you have your father’s story to pass along to future generations. What an experience and thank goodness he survived.
Amen. That was very touching and beauiful. I am so glad you went on this journey.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Me too. There’s a book at all of these cemeteries for visitors to sign and just the week before, a visitor had left a comment about the crew of my uncle’s plane that told us lovely details about them. What timing. Life.
Thank you Patricia. I took the Seine River cruise a couple of years ago to Normany and the beaches. It certainly was an amazing and very emotional experience. While most were Americans on my ship the six Canadians were taken to the Canadian memorial…unbelievable to stand on the same beach that they defended.
I stand in silence and salute all those brave people who fight for their countries in peace.
I can imagine that was a beautiful cruise, Liane. I felt the same way you did. It was a powerful experience to stand there and know what transpired. I’m sure you found all the museums and memorials deeply emotional too. I kind of cried my way around a good part of the day.
What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing this.
And thank you, Tonya. Finding Uncle Harry’s grave was an experience I will never forget. An extremely touching and meaningful day.
Wonderful tribute to your uncle and all those that served. On this day we honor and show respect to all veterans. Remembrance Day and Veterans Day.
Thanks, Phil. So many deserve so much from all of us. Why can’t the world try to live by John Lennon’s advice and give peace a chance.
Nous avons exactement la même histoire dans notre famille. My mother-in-law lost her brother while she was prégnant with my husband. Uncle Réal died in Normandy in July 1944. Nous l’avons visité au cimetière de Beny-sur-Mer en 1999. Que d’émotions!
Such important stories that I hope will be passed along from one generation to the next. So much was sacrificed.
Very emotional for me. Thank you, Patricia. And thank you, veterans who sacrificied so much for freedom through Europe.
I’m sure it is, Evelyne, with many generations of your family living through the worst. So much is owed to so many.