The American Cemetery at Normandy | History Traveler Episode 54 

The Greatest Generation will never be forgotten. Their sacrifice and memories will live forever.

Bless these men. They are watching over all of us. Let's not let them down.

No words are good enough for this generation

It is a cemetery I would like to see once. And being Canadian I would also like to see the Canadian Normandy cemetery as well. Just so sad how young these guys were. Fighting for our freedom. Canadians,Americans,British.

Just a year has passed since I visited this site with my son. No words can truly describe what is in front of you. It is a "must see" in my opinion. what disturbs me most is how this history of your country is no longer taught in schools. The result is the total lack of appreciation for historical events that shaped our culture. Thank you to my son who arranged the trip and tour of Normandy, a trip I will never forget.

They gave up all their tomorrows so that we could have todays. ✝️🇺🇸

Thanks for keeping watch over our boys France I’m sure they feel right at home. 🇺🇸🇫🇷RIP heroes.

I have visited Normandy three times now and I would recommend to anyone who feels they owe these guys their respect a visit. Visit the British cemeteries at Bayeux and Ranville , Pegasus Bridge and be prepared to be humbled beyond belief. Visit the American cemetery at Colleville Sur Mer and also take in some of the museums over there. Quite mesmerising for sure. We met an old veteran at the Bayeux cemetery paying his respects to a particular headstone. We managed to gain his confidence and then he told us his story. He didn’t want to at first but was persuaded by his wife to tell us a little bit of his day on D Day. Well, let me tell you, this old, wizened and very proud soldier had 3 grown men in their forties hanging onto every word he said and we left a little wiser and a little sadder and pleased as punch that we got to share just a little bit of what these heroes went through on that day. Put it on your bucket list of things to do because I can tell you that I will be going again soon with my 2 grandchildren to show them the sacrifices made by these people for them so they could live a better life. Respect to them all

I really don't have the appropriate words to describe my feelings after watching this awesome tribute.......just extremely humbled and thankful for this generation's incredible heroism.

When i was at that cemetery, it left me speechless. There is such a strange atmosphere there and it just makes all the stuff you read about D-day and the second world war in general come crashing in and what it cost for us in Europe to be free. It was one of the most profound moments of my life i still think. When i walked there, i could walk in between the headstones and i remember reading names and being overwhelmed emotionally.

To all the american who lost there lives in this terrible war THANK YOU FROM THe UK, I will NEVER FORGET THEM GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONE'S, ALIEN

One of the most cherished moments of my life was when I visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memoial in March 2014. It was important for me, during my life, to personally visit this hallowed ground. To offer my thanks and respect to those heroes who saved the world from tyranny. And I wept.

Each one a hero.

Tried to think of some poignant remark, but this leaves me at a loss for words.

This is an absolutely moving video!!! Extremely humbling and beyond grateful!!!!! RIP 😔😔❤️❤️🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇫🇷 🇨🇦

As I told my cousin's daughter once. "Go home & thank your grandfather (veteran of The Battle of The Bulge). Because he and so many others literally saved the world"! They truly were the "Greatest Generation"!!

Wow! I have said it before, these videos need to be shown in every high school. To see those graves is very sobering. There but by the grace of God go I. How blessed we are today to live the lives we have been given. Thanks for all your work. Thanks to all those brave men.

I was fortunate enough to visit the Cemetery in February 2020, I’m an Amateur Historian and Archeologist for the 44th Bombardment Group (H) which were stationed in England from 1942-1945. I have found a couple of dog tags in my excavations of some of the men of the 44th Bomb Group who are buried here. The day I visited I was also told due to heavy rain I was NOT allowed to view the graves of the men whose dog tags I had found, I requested to speak to the woman in charge of the operations at the ABMC there, and was told that they did not want me to photograph the graves up close because they had treated the stones with a new chemical which had reacted badly and turned the stones slightly brown and stained them. (As you can see in this video) I really hope to get back there as soon as possible to pay my respects properly this time. Fantastic video, as always.

I visited the American Cemetery, Omaha Beach and Pointe Du Hoc in June of 2001. My wife and I (I am Dennis, posting this) were in Paris and did a tour to many of the D-Day sites. We were there the day following the June 6 anniversary and saw a military reenactment group do a wreath laying ceremony. I don't know how the narrator is able to walk through and talk, I get very emotional just viewing this. I am a USAF Airforce Veteran from the Mid-70's and it was an honor signing the guest book at the cemetery, felt like I was saying I came here to visit and to show respect for all of you guys and gals (yes, there are 4 women) for what you did. I will never forget, thank you.

Sadly this is just one of many such cemeteries for our fallen heroes. My grandparents had 6 sons (my uncles) serving during WW2. 5 came home, 1 was killed in Haminkeln during Op Varsity after survivng Op Overlord in Normandy and Op Market Garden. He is buried in the Reichswald Forest and visiting there was very sobering and emotional, not least humbling to see how many made the ultimate sacrifice. We should also not forget those who fought and died on the opposite side , for many of those were simply soldiers too following orders.

A very emotional place, I managed to visit the Nylan brothers graves when I was there, at that very moment they played the last post on bugle, everyone stood still in respect, a very touching moment I will never forget. RIP to the brave men that gave everything for others.

"no words needed" - for me The American War Cemetery is one of the biggest i've ever visited (back in 2015) and to see the resting places i came across was just unexplainable (ie you couldn't believe as to who's resting place you were standing in front of), • 2 Of The Niland Brothers • Theodore Roosevelt Jnr - (i saluted) • Quentin Roosevelt and just the shear the size and scale of the vastness of the place itself and to be standing amongst so many brave 🇺🇸 young boys and men really did "hit me for 6" and whilst walking around i took in the sight of Omaha Beach and just (tried) to imagine the shear scale of what those brave men/boys would be up against once they "breached" the beaches - truly one of THE most moving/humbled places i've ever been to

Thank you for being there for those of us who can't be. Thank you to these brave men for their sacrifice.

Respect and humble remembrance for all these young americans who died to free Europe. Jean-Paul Messager French citizen (June 21, 2020)

Was there in July of 2019, was able to walk around in some sections to read the names. When you first enter the main part of the cemetary after walking from the parking lot you cannot help yourself from being moved emotionally to tears when you see the sea of white crosses. So moving, so sad but yet you get goose bumps because you are walking amongst heros. Was able to see the grave Of Frank Peregory, one of the 3 Medal of Honor recipients buried there but was not able to see the other two which are Jimmie Montieth and Theodore Roosevelt Jr. because those sections were roped off.

Heart-Wrenching! Such a sacrifice.

I love how you present your videos. No hype, just facts that everyone should know including the stories that aren’t sensationalized in movies.

I've read the story of the "Bedford Boys" and it was heart-breaking. It was the same for a great many all across the USA. One day!!!! One day I will walk those hallowed grounds. May their souls, and the souls of all the departed Rest In Peace!! Thank you for this. You're doing a great service to those of us who appreciate history!!! God Bless!!

Wow. Planning to go there this summer. It has been a dream of mine to go there. I have no idea why I'm drawn to this place but I'm looking forward to it. Maybe I want to thank them in person for the sacrifice they made for us.

Just seeing these sacred places in your VIDEOS, makes me tear up. I can only IMAGINE actually being there. Thank you, and stay safe.

I visited in July 2019, just after the 75th anniversary of D-Day. We were not allowed to walk amongst the headstones not because of rain but because of the thousands of visitors that had been coming and kept coming, and whose footfall was in danger of damaging the immaculate lawns. I swear that there was not a blade of grass out of place. It is hard to to describe the serenity and beauty of this cemetery which is is no less than those interred deserve. I wandered for hours reading the names on the headstones and reflecting upon their sacrifice. I left feeling humbled and unbelievably sad for all those young lives lost.

Wow!! I cant control My emotions.. a brutal war but wity clear objectives and goals.. god bless them all..

I came to this cemetery a few years ago after my graduation. This was definitely the most humbling part of the trip. Genuinely teared up when I saw the amount of gravesites. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience to be there.

I’m sure it was very humbling walking these grounds. My Dad was in the Pacific With The Marines during WWII. I just can’t imagine hitting a Beach under heavy fire. These Men and Women deserve to be Honored and remembered. JD you do such a great job with these videos. I hope you Sir get the support for bringing all of us these videos. Much respect.

I was lucky enough to visit the cemetery during the 60th anniversary, I stood where you were filming at 3:46 and when I saw the star of David headstone among all the crosses I just had to go to look and I couldn't believe my eyes the soldiers surname buried there was Reuben (first name Thomas I think) I was in awe. Although I'm British I thank all nationalities for their sacrifice, thank you for your video's.

It's a shame that these honorable men and Hero's which we hold such high regard and Valor for can't rest on American soil watching brings tears to my eyes THANK YOU for your sacrifice just doesn't seem to be a big enough word I somehow hope that these men can realize just how GREAT FULL we truly are and the appreciation that we AMERICAN'S hold for them sincerely and respectfully retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas USMC

I visited the American Cemetery many years ago whilst on holiday in Normandy, it truly does shock you into realising how lucky we are today, sometimes when someone tells you a number, it doesn't really sink in and you don't comprehend until you see something like the thousands of crosses in front of you stretching out into the distance, a really humbling sight and place to visit, I'm British by the way and even being in the American cemetery still put a lump in my throat and brought a tear or two to my eyes, I intend to go back one day and see the British cemetery and do the American beaches (I've done the British ones) but like you, have always seemed to run out of time before seeing them all, fantastic video by the way.

Can we ever be worthy of their sacrifice as individuals and as a nation? I think not for most of us, but we can be humble and thankful each day.

2:37 This is the most poignant tribute I’ve ever seen. What a perfect statue and quote to portray the free American spirit that appeared on the horizon that morning.

My husband served in Dessert Storm Special ops. My dad served in the Korean War. My husband had civil war classes in college. Words can not describe what you bring into my computer screen to see. We lived in Italy for 4 years at Aviano. (AF base) Thank you so much for what you do.

In spite of our recent issues, we are the land of the free and home of the brave! Thank you for this tribute.

First of all how anyone could give a thumbs down is beyond me. So awesome to see the cemetery!!

This is very moving to me, I’m so grateful and so humbled. God rest all their souls.

So Emotionally Beautiful Mate... We have our Anzac day this weekend a very Special day for Ozzies and Kiwis... a day of remembrance for our Fallen Anzac's. Here in NZ, however we are still in lock down here so we will stand at the end of our driveways to Remember them. "On going down of the Sun we will Remember Them"... Bless you JD!

I believe the average age of a soldier who died during the D Day invasion was 20 years old. The immensity of the graves for the fallen soldiers is just overwhelming and brought tears to my eyes. God bless them all.

I am way late to the game on this, but thank you for all you are doing! I am a Systems Engineer but have a degree in history. I love history. My Great Uncle who I share his name (middle name, Larkin) came into Omaha Beach with the 144th/980th Field artillery Battalion Battery A/B which originated with the California National Guard. They ran the 155mm guns. He made it from Normandy to Germany and home. There is a plaque near Vierville-sur-mer that I hope to one day see that commemorates the National Guard participation on June 6-7 1944. I am very proud of him and his service. Keep up the good work. I will never forget the sacrifices our brave men made for freedom.

You need to be there on June 6th. You simply cannot imagine the sights. 1000s of jeeps, 100s of scout motorcycles, dozens of Sherman tanks...10,000s of reenactors. It's a sight to behold.

BG Theodore Roosevelt, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions 6 June 1944, is buried here with his brother Quentin. 2LT Roosevelt was a WWI aviator, so their mother was a Gold Star Mother in both World Wars.

Thank for sharing this video. God bless you and those that passed away. 🙏

Makes me very humble seeing this.

I went to Europe twice with my High School Band! We would stop at the American Cemeteries, pull out our trumpets, line up, and play taps....... As we were lining up, the cemetery staff would stop mowing, washing headstones, and stand at attention. Very Humbling experience! I have no words...... Thank you for your video's, you do them with Grace, reverence and from your heart! Thank you for bringing me along!

In high school i would sit in the library and read all I could aboit this. It's just fascinating. When I was 21, I hopped on a plane and flew to Normandy. I have been at that cemetary and point du hoc and the beaches etc. Just impossible to put yourself in the shoes of those men. Im 40 now with 6 kids and I will take them there when they are old enough to understand.

I have been to this cemetery....it is a solemn, respectful and a wonderfully maintained place. Every American should see it.

Well done on this video series from Normandy. I’ve visited this area twice in the last 5 years as a EF tour chaperone and know full well the area, history and what it took to produce these videos. I’ve done a bunch myself for the trips I’ve done and can say that you’ve done a fantastic job. There is a lot of time spent, editing, picking out audio, researching the subject, etc. that most people do not comprehend when viewing. Very professional work to say the least, so congratulations. I’m Canadian so The Juno beaches meant a great deal to my experience there. I visited a year ago April just prior to the 75th anniversary and was able to stand next to Teddy Jr’s headstone. They were just beginning to close the area to foot traffic for the anniversary. I noticed you had a little drone footage squeezed in there and imagined you ran into the strict drone laws France has. Unfortunate as it is. It’s nice to have this record of your trip there. I find I remember my trips better as I’ve spent countless hours editing my own videos. I’m sure you find the same thing. Again congrats on your fantastic channel and I look forward to seeing more of what you have to offer.

It really is a emotional and surreal place to visit, amazing it's just one of many American Cemeteries scatter all around Europe, I have visit this one and Margraten in Holland and the Cemetery in Luxembourg which is wear General Patton is buried

Thank you for publishing these videos. I would love to someday visit these sites and pay my respects to these brave and heroic men. My father was a WW II vet and his generation did so much for this country. All students should be made aware of the sacrifices those in uniform made for them to preserve the freedom they enjoy. May God bless them all.

Not been to Normandy, but have been to Arlington. Just to be within the grounds takes your voice away and brings tears. I saw that same feeling in you today. Pretty weak, but veterans and active your sacrifice and loss IS appreciated. We keep all of you in our prayers. Thank you. Tom

These Americans understood the cost of freedom. And many paid the ultimate price. Today it seems many have no idea or concerns of what was given to protect this great country from enemies who wanted to destroy us. Thank god for people like you who will never forget their sacrifice. Many of us thank you and share your commitment to preserving their memory.

Humbling. Flowing gratitude and love to all who rest here. And to their families. My God. Thank you.

I was lucky enough to visit this amazing place that honors those young kids two days ago. It is just amazingly moving. We were there when they lowered the flags. They played taps and I teared up. The avg age of the men buried there is 24. Very sad. If you get a chance to visit this area, this is a must stop. Kudos to the US government for managing it and keeping the cemetery absolutely beautifully maintained.

We just returned from visiting Normandy. When we went to the cemetery, it was a feeling of sadness and pride. These are American soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom. It was a sobering experience and I truly believe every American that goes to France should definitely go to Normandy and see where these brave men died. You just can't explain the feeling you have while you're there. I got teary eyed and thanked God that these brave men gave their lives for us.

I spent 6 June 2004 on the Normandy beaches and at the U S Military Cemetery at Colleville. sur mer.If ever a burial place for the fallen can be said to be beautiful it is Colleville. My mothers youngest brother went ashore that day and survived.All his long life he never mentioned a word about that day. The day I was there was perfect blue skies, and warm and sunny. I spent three days in the Normandy area..Hundreds of American veterans were there with their families as guests of the French government. My first visit to this gentlemans channel. His reverence towards both the nearby German cemetery and the America cemetery are to be commended......I'll be back to visit with him

Wow. No greater sacrifice can a man do but lay down his life for his friends...

Each hero starting from anzio, omaha beach, and so on means a medal of honor, for the sacrifice made so that we can now live the freedom, only one thing we can do is to never forget these heroes. Thank you all for your service

I just cannot breathe watching this,i have no words 😔

Never fails to bring a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye every time I visit. The visitor centre cinema showing some of the back stories of a men buried here never fails to move me to think of the sacrifice of these young men and what all of us owe them. Excellent video keep up the good work

Oh my goodness. How to express the emotion. Wow. I hope the French appreciate we helped them gladly. I know someone who went to Normandy often and said this was the most holy and sacred place he visited.

I walked the cemetery at Etaples in France, a first world war cemetery with i think about 13000 graves. One epitaph on a headstone stood out to me and I photographed it. It reads: " For the love of our dead let us maintain the order of the world". Written of course in 1918 but it has so much meaning for us today. Let us all try to be worthy of them who gave their lives so that we may live in freedom, and waste not one day of that inheritance

My wife and I visited Normandy and Brittany in 2016 and visited both the American and German cemeteries. We happened to arrive just at Retreat when the bugle was sounded and the American flag was lowered and carefully folded. I admit to having tears in my eyes- it was a very moving experience. The German cemetery has a different feel, darker and more somber. Both deserve a visit and a reflection on the occurrence there on 6 June 1944. I would like to compliment you on your excellent video series. The material is well researched, informative, entertaining, and the subjects are handled with sensitivity. These videos deserve to be incorporated into school curriculums.

The day I visited the American cemetery I just never forget I never spoke while in there it was a big education to how lucky we are every young person should be taken there

Quite literally breathtaking. I will be in Europe later this year and as an American I can’t help but want to visit and pay my respects to all those who fought and paid the ultimate price.

For a long time, I’ve been searching for videos to show our kids about Normandy and D-Day. I stumbled across your channel while doing my own research and it’s now part of our homeschooling for history. Thank you for all you do and bringing these locations to us.

Hey brother as a oif veteran thank you so much for this. You are outstanding. Keeping these men's history alive. God speed and may God rest their souls .

This is overwhelming!!....there are no words to do this proper justice!!!...amen!

Thank you for this. I'm overwhelmed, and in tears.

@the History Underground , i bet while looking at all the crosses , that you had to have gotten Emotional . thanks for the Video

Un grand merci pour tout ( citoyen de Lorraine ) ! God bless America !

My only wish before i die is to see Normandy & walk the beach & cemetery. RIP & thank you, the greatest generation ever.

Thank you again for this tour. I watched this again today, which is Veterans Day. Also my daughter and son in law are there today. Thank you for all those that served🇺🇸

Thank You from France !

Me and the girlfriend who live in the southeast of England are heading to Normandy end of May this year. 3 days camping locally and 2 days in hotel. Really looking forward to visiting the beaches and other places. Great vids. Thank you 🇬🇧

Just found your channel and love the way you put this together, very moving and respectful. War graves are incredibly moving places, and should be a must visit for all. They are very though provoking and remind us all of where we come from, what we owe and the senseless waste of war. I have not been to this cemetery yet, but most definitely will one day. I have however been to quite a few WW1 cemeteries and memorials. The numbers of dead are just staggering. Thiepval in the Somme area of Northern France lists the names of over 70000 officers and men, who's bodies were never found - its hard to comprehend the waste of life. Great job, keep it up.

Great video as usual! Shame about the rain. Must’ve been a bummer. Crazy stat about the Iraq and Afghanistan death number not filling up that cemetery. Really puts things in perspective of how over a few months, that many men were killed that a 20 year war hasn’t claimed. Crazy. Greatest Generation.

I was there in August with my wife and kids. It took me a few days to process what I saw. I served in combat in the Marines 2006-2012. I was humbled and thankful. What an incredible accomplishment. I was surprised how many foreigners visit that place. Also they played the star spangled banner when I was there, that’s rare. Semper Fi

🙏 Just imagine the sheer amount of horror stories that were lost in that cemetary.

I was lucky enough to spend a day touring Utah Beach, Pointe du hoc, and the American Cemetery. As a guy in my early 20s, I couldn't help but put myself in shoes of the soldiers that stormed Normandy. If I was born 100 years earlier, I could have very well been fighting alongside these men. It was a terrifying, but inspiring experience and I have an immense feeling of gratitude to live in this world today - even will all the current issues.

Was a really beautiful place, glad I did not missed that one. Very humbling..

I haven’t seen any of your series in some time. I don’t know what the platform does but, I think your series is the best I’ve ever watched. Thanks again for your commitment to these “greatest generation” men and women. I’ve never understood why as humans we hold the loss of our species in such esteem. I’m trying at seventy two to come to grips with this. As I once wrote you, my dad was a medic through out the European campaign until he was wounded at The Bulge. We lost him at fifty years of age and when I think of all that those of that generation went through, I’m awed. Mine was the Viet Nam War yet, this one somehow seemed so much more powerful in it’s sacrifice and accomplishment.

I've visited the American cemetery at Normandy. 3xs and each time I've been there I have felt a strange heavy feeling in my chest that I can't describe. Others that have visited here have described a similar feeling.

Such hollowed ground. Seeing all the headstones puts the losses in perspective.

I have never been more humbled and speechless than when I visited this location.

My grandfather was among those forces who landed in Normandy, wasn’t among the first, but was part of this historic moment. A guy that lives in my neighborhood is an actual survivor who was a part of the first waves. Was a doctor. He’s still alive too.

Good video. I remember taking a tour to Normandy and visiting the American Cemetery. Hallowed ground. Sacrifice. Honor. During the bombardment of France on June 6th 1944 many French were killed. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten. Those people families are grateful for the American led invasion.

The Colleville cemetery is the one place I have been where I felt that I stopped breathing for several minutes. It's very hard to describe the avalanche of emotions that fall down on you as you go in. I am not a very emotional person at all, usually ... try to keep the stiff upper lip and tough-guy attitude every day. But when you see the rows upon rows of crosses, with names, and realize that the vast majority of them weren't even old enough to buy a drink these days ... I don't know, it's just like being hit with a 100-foot wave. Immeasurable agony, suffering and sacrifice recycled into authentic dignity and gratitude. The site is immaculately maintained and has to be one of the most truly sacred places on Earth.

I was there on the 70th. It chokes me up to watch these RU-vids. I had two uncles who landed there on 6/6/44 (and survived the war) and another one with the 10th Mountain Division in North Africa and Italy (and survived the war).

Freedom is not free......thank you for these videos for those of us who will never be able to go there ourselves.

Was there on June 6th last year for the 75th...at first embarsssed when tears came down uncontrollably...then just didnt mind...was one of the emotional days photographing. #lestweforget

I had the honor of visiting this hallowed ground, when we entered the cemetery the chapel bells chimed " My Country Tis of Thee", Seeing all the crosses almost made my knees give out and we all wept quietly to ourselves... That was our experience. Thank you for sharing...

June 12, 2004 I had the honor in the company of a D - Day veteran, and a Korean War veteran as a Viet Nam veteran to place a wreath at the statue here. It was just shortly after the 60th anniversary of D - Day

Absolutely love your channel. Thank you for your efforts. I am a soldier from the 28th Infantry and my Grandfather fought with the 7th armored division from Normandy to Germany. He was shot at the battle of the bulge. I was linked to your video from watching an interview with Dick Winters. I'm for the first time almost through the Band of Brothers book and will be moving on to the memoirs of Richard Winters next. Thanks for your research and dedication.