As I mentioned in my earlier posts, the ship’s itinerary was changed due to a storm. The port calls to Orkney Islands and Edinburgh were canceled, the ship’s last port was Le Havre, France. We’ve been wanting to visit Normandy, France where our WW2 fallen heroes are buried. I was able to book online and most of our group (total of 12) decided to join. The cemetery is one of the many around the world that is managed by American Battle Monument Commission (ABMC) where about 9,400 U.S. soldiers are buried! A staggering 70-85 MILLION people around the world perished during this war!

Upon entering the cemetery one can feel the solemnity of the place. Tourists talk in subdued tone as if afraid to disturb the resting heroes in their hallowed graves. We viewed a movie about D-DAY and it touched everyone inside the small theater. It was difficult to comprehend how many soldiers and civilians died during that time and why it ever happened.

Our walking tour took us to the edge of the cliff where the Germans defended the place. We saw “impregnable” bunkers and pieces of artillery. It reminded me of the movie “Saving Private Ryan”. Young men barely out of their teens bravely fighting for their countries!

We also had the opportunity to visit a German cemetery that not many tourists visit. It was a much smaller place than the American cemetery but it was well designed.

After the tour, our bus took us back to the ship for our last night. We collected money to give to our hard-working waiters who provided us with exceptional service every night.

That night two couples from our group also celebrated (belated) their wedding anniversaries – Mike and Nelda Hope and Tommy and Oya Holgado.

A bus took us to London Heathrow International Airport for our flight to Reykjavik, Iceland where we will spend five more days.

We discussed that at our advancing ages that our group should meet every two years from now on. I smiled and remembered the saying “Man plans, God laughs!”

Although only eight couples made it to the 50th anniversary of their arrival in this country, we enjoyed reconnecting with everyone. The nurses had fun reminiscing their early days in South Carolina. We had laughs and sadness remembering those who have already finished their journey.

Stay healthy and happy y’all….