Pointe du Hoc at Normandy | Memorial, Saving Private Ryan & Reflections

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  • Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024

Комментарии • 563

  • @dancacciatore
    @dancacciatore 3 года назад +61

    Gratitude is one of the greatest feelings you can have. When you visit military cemeteries and reflect on your personal life, you realize that you stand on the shoulders of greatness and appreciate it.

  • @kosmokenny
    @kosmokenny 3 года назад +66

    The sad and tragic fact of D-Day is thousands of young men had the destiny of running onto that beach to lose their life instantly to machine gun bullets just to get a brief pause for the machine gun to have to reload so the guys behind them could move forward. On the surface it seems such an incredible waste. But in taking those bullets, they saved the lives of the guys behind them. And the guys behind them went on to save the lives of millions.

  • @dirtyhairy8884
    @dirtyhairy8884 3 года назад +74

    You're a special young lady, and this pilgrimage is truly appreciated. I have no doubt, you will never forget it. Thank you and God bless you!🙏

  • @haggis525
    @haggis525 3 года назад +73

    That's where a portion of the 2nd Rangers landed... a bloodbath. Rangers lead the way.
    Two of my uncles landed on Juno Beach... one on the 6th the other a week later. Our next door neighbour - while I was growing up landed with our Airborne troops the night of 5/6 June.
    I know this is an American beach - Omaha - but I am Canadian 🇨🇦 and have known many people who served Canada in War 2 - Army, RCAF and RCN.
    My grandfather served in France and Belgium in War 1, uncles in War 2 - European and Pacific theatres. Father served in Korea - I served during the Cold War and in Peacekeeping missions and in the Balkans.
    We will remember them.

    • @jimreilly917
      @jimreilly917 3 года назад +9

      Canada was badass in both WWs. And in WWII Canada was the nation most responsible for liberating the Netherlands, and even keeping the soviet army out of that country. I hope the only place we ever fight is on ice hockey rinks🇺🇸🇨🇦. I had a great uncle fight as a medic in Persia in WWII and 2 uncles in Korea.

  • @artd.
    @artd. 3 года назад +90

    Those men who fell on D-Day, payed the ultimate sacrifice so we all can live FREE! Your response and tears is more than enough payment, Pass in on to your friends and family so we may never forget.... Thank You Miss Marie....;-)

  • @derekcogdill8090
    @derekcogdill8090 3 года назад +121

    Glad to hear you watched “Saving Private Ryan”. I know it was tough for you to watch but it gives you a good idea of what D-Day was really like. My grandfather was at Omaha Beach on D-Day and by the grace of God he made it. I also admire you for taking the time to learn the history and pay your respects. God Bless!

    • @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223
      @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223 3 года назад +5

      Marie you now know what happened. For why it happened watch "Schindler's List". Sorry, but it's equally disturbing - just in a very different way.

    • @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223
      @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223 3 года назад +3

      @DeN Capone I was speaking in general terms that the allies invaded to free Europe it from atrocities committed by Nazi Germany. There were plenty of atrocities that were known to the allies before invasion. Schindler's List serves as an example of what the Nazi's where doing to fellow human beings.
      If you want to follow a specific chronology it's unclear as to what the allies knew and when they knew it.
      Also, morality gets rather murky when one realizes that we freed an ethnic minority with a segrageted military.
      So often people end up fighting in the comments. Not my my intent. No foul intended.

    • @georgecooksey8216
      @georgecooksey8216 Год назад

      @@dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223 "It is all too easy to rummage through the past and find nothing but a list of grievances" - Margaret MacMillan

    • @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223
      @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223 Год назад

      @@georgecooksey8216 I wasn't presenting past events as a grievance. I meant as a bit of history to ponder. A history professor once warned not to view the past through the lens of the present. People in the past had different motivations than we do today. What was normal then is foreign to us today.
      I only meant it as something to think about.

  • @steveg5933
    @steveg5933 3 года назад +60

    Sweet Marie, your words may have failed you, but your meaning shines through brightly. You have nothing to be ashamed of about these videos. In the words of my 2 branches of service Semper Fidelis et Semper Fortis Ever Faithful, Ever Strong.
    (USMC & US Navy)
    God Bless
    Doc G

  • @charlesvaughn2192
    @charlesvaughn2192 3 года назад +73

    I'm a little bit shocked that, after watching Saving Private Rayan that you still went on this pilgrimage. Again , thank you for this

  • @cjjenson8212
    @cjjenson8212 3 года назад +12

    Their the greatest generation for a reason.
    76 years later and a young girls heart is filled with knowledge and love and understanding.
    Their sacrifice was not in vain if the gift of freedom is kept alive.

  • @timlamb6196
    @timlamb6196 3 года назад +58

    Imagine coming off a boat into the water, being under all that gun fire, having to make it through barbed wire land mines and so forth, and then climb a cliff only to have to still fight germans if you get that far, and in meantime carrying heavy back packs and weapons. Wow. Everytime I cross paths with somebody I know is a veteran and it doesn't matter what war they were in or a current soldier I shake their hands and let them know they are appreciated.

    • @jimreilly917
      @jimreilly917 3 года назад +6

      While the Germans at the top were firing rifles and machine guns down the cliffs, chucking grenades and cutting ropes and ladders. The courage those young men had…🇺🇸🇨🇦🇵🇱🇫🇷🇬🇧

    • @jrshelton3398
      @jrshelton3398 3 года назад +6

      And a lot of them where still kids. Very humbling

    • @jnagarya519
      @jnagarya519 3 года назад

      The problem with that uncritical view is that some wars were not justified, and those who were gung-ho in advancing them wre part of the gwrong. That includes the veterans of those unnecessary wars.
      Not every "hero" is a hero, and many did as they did for personal aggradizement.

    • @jimreilly917
      @jimreilly917 3 года назад +3

      @@jnagarya519 Explain how WWII was unnecessary in the context of war you just laid out.

  • @panther332
    @panther332 3 года назад +88

    FrenchTastic anyone with a kind heart will have tears in there eyes going to these locations. This shows that you understand the life you have today is possible because of these men. I loved the music you chose for these videos. So take care and I hope you can visit the United States one day.

  • @danpritchow9632
    @danpritchow9632 2 года назад +4

    My father went in on Omaha Beach that morning, thankfully he made it through the entire war fighting in 4 of the 5 major battles. He lost a lot of friends over there and came home a very quiet man. We took a trip over there in 1996, it was so hard watching him walk around the beach, the cliffs and the cemetery. He survived when most of his friends didn't. After that trip he started to open up more letting us know what it was like. He did a few years later give a taped interview about his time in the war, we played it at his funeral in 2007. When he died there was only one other living member of his squad. He was a very good man, he was my HERO...

  • @texan2u
    @texan2u 3 года назад +53

    Dear Marie. Don't wonder or worry about doing serious videos like these. We know your channel is always about fun things, sightseeing, and changes in your life, but it takes someone special to include "important" video like these last few. You did it very well, and it is appreciated. Thank you.

  • @rickjames2043
    @rickjames2043 3 года назад +30

    Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for what you have done. My mom and dad had me late in life. They were in their 40's when I was born. My mom passed away when I was young from cancer. My dad lives with my wife and myself . He is 95 years old and will be 96 next month. He is a WW2 veteran. He fought in the European theater. He fought in France, Belgium, and then into Germany. He was badly wounded in Germany and after going from one hospital to another he was sent home. I showed him your videos and he also said thank you too!! My dad's dad, my grandfather was In WW1. I was in Iraq for 4 months and then I was in Afghanistan for just over 5 years. On 7 June 2010 we were ambushed just outside Konar ( Afghanistan). The M.R.A.P. I was in was hit by an I.E.D.. 5 men died that day. My best friend and another from my squad were K.I.A.. I was the only survivor in that M.R.A.P. The combat family I guess. It has been over 11 years since I was in combat but I still have P.T.S.D.. It is getting better every year that passes. Once again thank you for doing this!!!!!!! Staff Sergeant Rick James U.S. Army (Ret.) 11 Bravo

    • @johnschroeder3591
      @johnschroeder3591 3 года назад +2

      I know it has become almost trite to say, "Thank you for your service," but I do thank you! I can't think of all military soldiers, sailors, etc. sacrificed to make the world better,(we hope)

    • @rickjames2043
      @rickjames2043 3 года назад

      @@johnschroeder3591 Dear Mr. Schroeder, it is still much appreciated sir. For someone like you it was my honor!
      Staff Sergeant Rick James U.S. Army (Ret.) 11 Bravo

    • @michaelcrummy8397
      @michaelcrummy8397 3 года назад

      Thank you and your family so much for your service. My dad served in the US Navy in WWII in the Pacific.

    • @757optim
      @757optim 3 года назад

      I salute you grunt, and your Dad. RVN '69.

    • @rickjames2043
      @rickjames2043 3 года назад

      @@757optim Thank you for the salute. We were both grunts. During the Battle of the Bulge he was getting baker's, Army air core to fill in his squad. At least I had Infantry filling my squad if some was wounded. God bless you sir!! Staff Sergeant Rick James U.S. Army (Ret.) 11 Bravo

  • @artarnold3035
    @artarnold3035 3 года назад +16

    Your tears are normal after for the trip you took. I am a veteran of the Vietnam war and a medically retired U.S. Army soldier. I traveled to Normandy three years ago with another Vietnam veteran friend. We both were brought to tears with the experience. The most moving part of the tour was being at the American cemetery at 16:30 hrs when taps was played during the lowering of the American flag. I could not contain my tears. God Bless you, and keep you. You preformed a great service to yourself and others.

  • @charlesfitzpatrick5541
    @charlesfitzpatrick5541 3 года назад +24

    Marie- You may think your words failed you but they didn't. Your emotions said far more than your words could have. France is proud of you and your American friends love your gentle sprit and profound sense of respect. Thank you thank you thank you. Love from Oklahoma.

  • @potierney
    @potierney 3 месяца назад +3

    I come from Brooklyn NY. My dad came to Brooklyn NY from Belfast, NI, in 1928 because there was violence against Catholics after the partition settlement. He was drafted into the USArmy and volunteered for Airbourne duty. Luckily for him his outfit trained the North of Ireland so he got to visit his family. He was captured DDay+2 and escaped from the POW Camp in the Sudetenland the following spring. He didn’t talk about his wartime experience very much. He never went back. He did vote for Eisenhower for President twice. His older brother served in the Army in N Africa and lost an Arm. My Mother had a cousin who died storming the beaches of Normandy. God bless you for your work.

  • @Tribblepuppy
    @Tribblepuppy 3 года назад +32

    I never really understood how difficult the cliffs would have been to climb until you showed them in your video. It gives me a whole new respect for the soldiers who fought their way up them, and secured the cliffs for those who followed. The German bunkers were extremely well fortified. The French and their allies suffered a large number of casualties in this fight for freedom.
    I'm glad you got so much out of this trip, and that we were able to make this trip possible for you. You did a great job of expressing your thoughts and feelings. Thank you again for doing this. Great videos!

    • @clutchpedalreturnsprg7710
      @clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 3 года назад +3

      While under fire.

    • @michaelcrummy8397
      @michaelcrummy8397 3 года назад +2

      With the Nazis cutting the ropes as the Rangers scaled the cliffs, but they accomplished their objective, and knocked out the big German guns.

  • @yostugotz5619
    @yostugotz5619 3 года назад +15

    My grandfather slowly opened up to my dad about WWII in his later years. He told him about Normandy Beach and how he has no idea how he made it off of that beach alive.

  • @daveduna1
    @daveduna1 3 года назад +21

    Thank you for making this trip. I’m a 34 year old American living about an hour southwest of Chicago. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to afford to take a trip to see it myself. I love history and and especially interested in our military history. Visiting Normandy is on my bucket list, but like I said, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to make the trip myself.
    Again, thank you for these videos. It was done beautifully and I very much enjoyed it. As an American, I want to thank you for going and recording those sacred places for me and others like me. You did a wonderful job.
    Thank you.

  • @dennisstafford1749
    @dennisstafford1749 3 года назад +24

    Private Ryan us very powerful and difficult. The film has had an impact again on You Tube. Thanks again so much for going and filming for us.

  • @kenehlears7716
    @kenehlears7716 3 года назад +35

    When we come face to face with the death and tragedy of war it can be overwhelming.but you did a fantastic job dear.the fact that you took a few days to reflect on what you saw says a lot about you dear.you didn't rush to get this video out you did it thoughtfully.
    Thank you for that and thank you for being such an amazing person.all my love and respect.

  • @dirtcop11
    @dirtcop11 3 года назад +27

    I think you are the kind of person that all of those young men would be proud of. You are kind and tender-hearted. I hope there are many young people like you that appreciate the sacrifices they made for you. It is a lot to take into your thoughts, in time those things with being sorted out in your mind. Thank you for making these videos for all of us who will not be able to visit those places.

  • @thebulletproofpoet1744
    @thebulletproofpoet1744 3 года назад +16

    Thank you for this. All the videos of your trip to Normandy touched me a lot. I'm a veteran of the US military. I was in the Navy during the first Gulf war but was never in combat. I'm glad to see the service members honored and remembered this way. These were people who were willing to sacrifice their lives for what they believe in.

  • @kentinatl
    @kentinatl 3 года назад +15

    Thanks for this and the other Normandy videos..you are an awesome young woman Marie...all my best,kent in Ohio..USA

  • @pfdrtom
    @pfdrtom 3 года назад +4

    I was in a Ranger battalion in the late 80s-early 90s. Pointe du Hoc is a big part of our history. Thank you so much! SUA SPONTE! Rangers Lead The Way!

  • @timlamb6196
    @timlamb6196 3 года назад +25

    A lot of scenes in that movie I found out was based on real incidents. For example, the part when the guy was dying and saying "mama" was similar to a vets testimony that he saw a 17 year old comrade wounded and trapped under the flap of their boat while coming to shore crying for his mama. He said they were intstructed not to help anyone but to keep pushing forward. wow :(

  • @michaelmeredith2220
    @michaelmeredith2220 3 года назад +11

    I was in my mothers belly when this was happening. My dad was in the US Navy during the war. I loved the way you built and produced this video. You've got a real talent. Thank You and I'm praying to God for you and your efforts to communicate with all of us. I hope to go over to France some time. I love the message you were able to deliver to us. I'm crying right now and was crying all through the various videos you made. Thank you for sharing with us.

  • @petermacpaul6274
    @petermacpaul6274 3 года назад +26

    Thank you so much Marie for doing these videos of Normandy you did an amazing job ever thou it must have been hard and I'm glad that you still did it after you watched saving private Ryan and never apologise we can tell how much it has affected you and it's so nice to see

  • @aliwantizu
    @aliwantizu 3 года назад +17

    Bonjour Marie! Thank you SO very much for going there and sharing with us these amazing videos. You really out did yourself with these.
    These videos are so very important to be seen and shared, that I hope they bring you many more subscribers. Merci beaucoup! ~Be Blessed

  • @forerunner8
    @forerunner8 3 года назад +15

    I don’t think the French could make a dessert as sweet as you Marie. Thank you for this video.

  • @mattlovell8205
    @mattlovell8205 3 года назад +43

    Lieutenant Colonel James Earl Rudder, later in his life, became president of Texas A&M University.

    • @chrisdekaney
      @chrisdekaney 3 года назад +8

      There is a building on the Texas A&M campus named after Rudder...Rudder tower. The height of the building matches the height of the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc.

    • @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223
      @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223 3 года назад +2

      I didn't know that about the height of Rudder Tower. I live in Bryan but am not an Aggie. Hello where ever you are.

    • @davidcooley275
      @davidcooley275 3 года назад +2

      @@dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223 -- She needs to watch and react to the DB Cooper video on YT. Most europeans have never heard of him. Probably the best video on YT.

    • @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223
      @dbcooper-alltimehideandsee6223 3 года назад +1

      @@davidcooley275 a very close friend 😉 is a college professor. Anytime he fills out a sample scantron he puts my name on it.

    • @robertfeightner5354
      @robertfeightner5354 3 года назад +1

      ltc rudder was commander of the 2nd ranger bn, also the florida phase of ranger school is located on eglin afb, ft walton beach, fl the ranger camp there is called camp rudder

  • @ericbatemanrodgers
    @ericbatemanrodgers 3 года назад +7

    Thank you Marie I lost an uncle on D Day and I've never seen where he passed but now I've seen how well they are all respected

  • @markmiller4971
    @markmiller4971 3 года назад +13

    Thank you Marie. It's honestly truly appreciated. It's good to see you expressing yourself about what was done there. All the best from Ohio USA. "that others might live in freedom we came to Europe to free her people from the tyranny that overcame her" All we asked was a place to bury our dead. You expressed yourself well- don't worry.

  • @george217
    @george217 3 года назад +15

    You might find the old movie called "The Longest Day" interesting. It is much less graphic than "Saving Private Ryan", but is a semi documentary that portrays all the different countries servicemen during D-day...

    • @george217
      @george217 3 года назад +1

      @c I know what you mean. My Uncle Horace landed on Omaha with the Big Red One, and my dad landed on Okinawa and fought in Korea and Vietnam as well...

  • @VetNavy
    @VetNavy 3 года назад +8

    Those emotions you struggled with during the visits are very heart felt. Those young men who charged across those beaches or jumped from the sky had those same feelings. Why did they do it? Because of you, your family and your neighbors. In honoring them you’ve acknowledged the purpose of their sacrifice. God Bless you!

  • @MiguelTorres-bc7qe
    @MiguelTorres-bc7qe 3 года назад +7

    Es un video importante y necesario, para todos aquellos que creemos en la paz, el respeto a ser humano y la democracia, son el camino para evitar las guerras. Marie te agradezco mucho esta visita tan sentida, un fuerte abrazo.

  • @davidbigd9047
    @davidbigd9047 3 года назад +22

    It’s good to have landmarks like Normandie to educate and reflect on past events that should of never happened. It’s just a sad reality. It’s ok if you can’t find the right words immediately to describe your experience. Thanks for the video!

  • @757optim
    @757optim 3 года назад +2

    We need to remember. We need to appreciate the sacrifices. Seeing helps.

  • @ronscalera1883
    @ronscalera1883 3 года назад +6

    You are wise beyond your years.

  • @TheHistoryUnderground
    @TheHistoryUnderground 3 года назад +6

    Thank you for taking the time to visit the battlefield and for sharing your reflections. I had a chance to visit Normandy and film a series last year. There's no other place like it.

  • @NealB123
    @NealB123 3 года назад +5

    Thank you.

  • @TA-wg9oi
    @TA-wg9oi 3 года назад +6

    Your emotions are enough to tell us exactly how you feel. You being French but from another country's perspective, we must also remember the French casualties of this war. The French civilians and French resistance fighters who aided the British, Canadian, United States and other allied forces. Thank you for sharing. Much love from Australia.

  • @user-David-Alan
    @user-David-Alan 3 года назад +1

    Marie write down all your experiences and feeling about what you saw and felt. You could write a very important book for younger generations to read and understand what exactly happened on those beaches. Your history teacher inspired you and you could inspire future generation by what you saw and felt. Your videos are so important not only to us but school children should watch them for your perspective. I can't thank you enough from the bottom of my heart. This old veteran is forever grateful to you. Be safe and stay well.

  • @Hogtownboy1
    @Hogtownboy1 3 года назад +6

    So thank you first and as an aside. The cement position overlooking the the beach are called pillboxes in English

  • @MRFLESHSTORM
    @MRFLESHSTORM 3 года назад +3

    both of my grandfathers gave their lives to bring freedom to France , one on the day of the landing and the other on June 14, luckily they both had children before the end. unfortunately i never got to meet them, but heard a many great stories about them.

  • @singsbass
    @singsbass 3 года назад +3

    Your whole video set of Normandy and Operation Overlord was amazing. I had tears well up many times, especially seeing the sacrifice of men and women at the cemeteries where they are buried. Your last comments here about Saving Private Ryan made me hear the sound of the battles and the screams of people shot and hurt, and seeing the dead. Thank you from the bottom of my heart that you did this. God bless you always Marie.

  • @kevinhooper3003
    @kevinhooper3003 3 года назад +13

    Marie, I thank you again for taking on this project for us. You did a great job. However, I am so happy for all that you have learned and the personal growth that you have experienced. I am so proud of you.

  • @LoRyder
    @LoRyder 3 года назад +12

    Thank you for a fantastic trip! Loved this, and yes, it's heartbreaking

  • @ethangospodareck
    @ethangospodareck 3 года назад +19

    Absolutely loved this. Thank you Marie!

  • @stevej1154
    @stevej1154 3 года назад +1

    We have a great community here, the FrenchTastic family. It’s not about passively watching some videos, but actively engaging and making things like this happen! This is what social media should be! It’s a collaboration. Thank you so much, Marie. You did a wonderful job with these videos and your emotional response was really moving and inspiring. Keep smiling! 🇫🇷 😀

  • @leehigdon5096
    @leehigdon5096 3 года назад +16

    Marie
    Thank you for sharing with all of us. You think people would understand how terrible war is and the life that has been lost. But we as a people haven't learned from it and as sad as it is may never. I know you realize how terrible war is wish everyone did!! Thank you again for the video .

  • @susanfigueroa872
    @susanfigueroa872 3 года назад +1

    Marie, you are an Angel! As I said previously, my dad was on that beach and was wounded three times. After recuperating he went back to fight. My father in law was in the Navy, ferrying the landing boats full of Army and Marine infantry who landed there. He said it was the worst thing he ever did, watching the bodies in the water floating lifeless. My father in law had to spend time in veteran hospitals because of his nightmares and the feeling that someone was chasing him. Marie, I can't thank you enough! May your life always be blessed and wonderful! You've brought a certain peace to me and my husband!

  • @yellowbeardjamesgibson9297
    @yellowbeardjamesgibson9297 3 года назад +5

    Hello Miss Marie !!! There is No Question that Europe is steeped in History. !!! Thank you for showing the young & uneducated how & why our shared Histories are so very important
    Still Subscribed, like button Illuminated.
    😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄

  • @jimcalloway3028
    @jimcalloway3028 3 года назад +8

    Thank you Marie for a beautiful, touching video....so important that we remember the sacrifices so many made on that fateful day, one of the most important days in history.

  • @JimScholfield
    @JimScholfield 3 года назад +12

    You did a very good thing with this exploration Marie. For you and for us all. Thanks so much. Have you had chance to discuss this with your family and friends? Do you know what your family experienced during the war?

    • @FrenchTastic
      @FrenchTastic  3 года назад +4

      Over the phone with my parents, yes. I’ll see them soon and have a conversation about this all trip

  • @Mike...921
    @Mike...921 3 года назад +6

    The world needs more "Marie's" :)

  • @michaelsova7349
    @michaelsova7349 3 года назад +2

    You are an amazing young woman. Thanks for your perspective and your curiosity. You are destined for great things so never doubt yourself.

  • @damonbryan7232
    @damonbryan7232 3 года назад +2

    One of the best quotes on the headstones fits for everything.
    "Live the life I died for"

  • @unclejack123
    @unclejack123 3 года назад +13

    You are correct young Lady - every young person should be exposed to the entire past as, and why, it happened.
    Visiting the past can be very difficult. ...... thank you ...... just sayin' ...... ;-p

  • @paulcobb1784
    @paulcobb1784 3 года назад +8

    Marie, thank you for your thoughtful videos. You are not alone in wondering "How come?" Listen to the song by Ray Lamontagne by the same name, "How come". Wishing you nothing but the best....Paul in North Carolina, USA.

  • @pretoshohmoofcguy6523
    @pretoshohmoofcguy6523 3 года назад +6

    The cracking of the stones under your feet gave it a real sense of being there. You took us all to Normandy with you. And your slow video pans allowed us to all to take it in with you as if we were there as well. You living in freedom today ( une fille de France) satisfies our nation's sacrifices.
    Thank you SO MUCH. You have no idea how special this was to us.

  • @carllance8062
    @carllance8062 3 года назад +8

    These were such great videos Marie. Thank you so much for taking us on this tour. Seeing your emotions gives me hope for our future. It's rare to find a young person who appreciates and understands the sacrifices that were made so they can live the life they have. Again, thank you Marie 🙏🙏🙏

  • @boppy2sloppy
    @boppy2sloppy 3 года назад

    I retired after 20 years as an Army Medic. I did a tour in Germany, 2001-2004. My husband and visited Normandy and I sat on the beach, it was drizzling rain. I could just feel the weight of what happened there. I scooped up a bag full of sand. I bought a souvenir bottle to put it in. Point Du Hoc was an insane cliff. I think of how young some of the Soldiers were. Utter courage and bravery! Most of our WWII guys are gone. They truly were The Greatest Generation! I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to tour those amazing sites. Thank you for showing honor to the lives lost. You are a special young lady!

  • @aliwantizu
    @aliwantizu 3 года назад +8

    Interesting fact: The legal age to join the military was 18 (some snuck in younger.) If someone was 18 in 1944, they would be 95 today. As of April 2021, of the 16 million Americans who served in World War 2, an estimated 100,000 are still alive. 100,000 people aged 95 or more. They kicked a$$ then, and they're still kicking a$$ today!
    Merci beaucoup pour tout votre temps et vos efforts! ~Be Blessed

  • @timothymills3864
    @timothymills3864 3 года назад +3

    Thank you for sharing this with me. I appreciate your gratefulness. I am humbled by the men who paid a debt to history to stop evil, so we can live free.

  • @michaelmadison495
    @michaelmadison495 3 года назад +5

    I wish I could give to you the same wonderful feelings you have given this old man, Merci.

  • @patrickhumphreys5851
    @patrickhumphreys5851 3 года назад +2

    Thank you French Fry for the time you took to see the heart break and the devotion of all of those nations and people that paid the ultimate price.

  • @earthbob
    @earthbob 3 года назад +1

    Your efforts and personal discoveries are appreciated. Terrible circumstances often bind the good together. My Great Grandfather's Brother died in France during World War I. His letter to his Mother included a capitalized quote "LAFAYETTE, WE ARE HERE." The French have been remembered fondly since our Revolution. The horrid events that brought about the terrible circumstances of war have bound together the good. Complacency often makes us forgetful as to why we are bound as friends and allies, but when our nations encounter the terrible we find ourselves willing to sacrifice above and beyond together. The Normandy landings began the liberation of France and Europe, and brought cheers at home when heard on the radio. Thank You so much for your video of those sacred grounds of Normandy.

  • @lynngatlin4469
    @lynngatlin4469 3 года назад +25

    I knew that stuff was there but you have me wanting to see it myself. You have done an outstanding job on these vlogs. Well done

  • @jasondufresne7005
    @jasondufresne7005 3 года назад +5

    When I saw you were doing this piece, I was really looking forward to it. Both of my grandfathers served in Europe and thankfully returned home. When you apologized for not being able to put into words what you were feeling, all I could think was, Who can really have the words to quantify or describe the feelings and emotions that Normandy would bring. As a Soldier who has seen combat, I am at a loss for words for the experience of those Soldiers on the beach in Normandy or any contested landing beach. You are right though, that the young should go see and find appreciation for the sacrifice of those who went before. Merci Marie.

  • @camperp195
    @camperp195 3 года назад +1

    Im so glad i found your channel,25 years ago, iwas a coach driver visiting these places,taking people here and giving them tours,im so happy that you,at your age,are doing this,we must never forget what happened in these places,boys arrived there,within minutes they were fighting for their lives,and became men very fast,comradeship,teamworkand brotherhood got them through,what happened in the first and second world wars should be standard curriculum in schools,we should always remember and never EVER forget,you are doing a great job girl,keeep it up 👍

  • @johnschroeder3591
    @johnschroeder3591 3 года назад +6

    Something like this can be a life changing thing, don't let it get you down, instead, learn from these experiences and vow to go forward being a nicer, more caring person like you are. I am so impressed with you that it affected you this way. May God bless you and watch over you.

  • @crage92
    @crage92 3 года назад +5

    These trips are always emotional, I used to do them a lot before COVID and am lucky enough to have a friend who is a military historian who comes with us. Places to try if you haven’t already Pegasus Bridge, Merville Battery and Menin Gate (Belgium). Also emotionally Oradour-sur-glane is heartbreaking and a place you must visit if you haven’t already. Keep up the great content. 🇬🇧🇫🇷

  • @vernonshook8125
    @vernonshook8125 3 года назад +9

    Marie, Thank you so much for doing this, I would love to see this in person but for now you have done a beautiful job, I can tell you are grateful for what was done for your country. You Dear Lady are a Beautiful person with a Beautiful soul and someone I would love to have as a friend.

  • @thorsforge2905
    @thorsforge2905 3 года назад +4

    I am glad to see your reflection on this now "old" tale. The physical sight of the crosses brings reality to the cold numbers you read in a book. It is easy to see a person standing there.

  • @tonihelm1900
    @tonihelm1900 3 года назад +4

    We all know how you are feeling, your sweet eyes tell the whole story! Thank you so much fromTexas!❤️

  • @jankreps5115
    @jankreps5115 3 года назад +1

    You took an overwhelming trip back to WWII! It opened our eyes to a very sad time. I cried many tears during your videos. A time that stole away life’s innocence. It’s okay to smile at the good things in life!! Thanks for sharing this! So many experiences will affect your life! After taking time to reflect on your trip, recognize it’s fine to regain your Joy of Life!! Your gratitude is very appreciated!!💕

  • @HemlockRidge
    @HemlockRidge 3 года назад +7

    You did an EXCELLENT job on this series of videos, Marie. Thank you very much.

  • @christopherhutchings9621
    @christopherhutchings9621 2 месяца назад

    You young lady should be an inspiration for your generation! Young folks don't realize what Freedom truly costs. As you said,many cannot make it there,but YOU brought it home. Much love and thank you 👍❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @stevehering4844
    @stevehering4844 3 года назад +3

    Thank you from a veteran. 💖

  • @shawnowens8851
    @shawnowens8851 3 года назад +1

    Your tears and heartfelt sorrow are two of the things those young men fought to preserve. Thank you for the journey and sharing your honest thoughts not many have the strength of character to do so. Many Blessings to you.

  • @smithertoddsforge2625
    @smithertoddsforge2625 2 года назад +2

    Glory and Liberty to France, God bless you and yours, thanks for this tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives on that beach.

  • @thomast8539
    @thomast8539 3 года назад +2

    Marie, thanks for making these videos, particularly this one. It is quite moving to listen to your testimony about your experience by going to Normandy and appreciation for what you have because of the actions of others. I feel the same way about my freedom here in the US. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifice that others made to allow me to walk thru life as a free person. Please continue just being yourself and doing what you believe is the right thing to do. God bless and all the best to you.

  • @Gort-Marvin0Martian
    @Gort-Marvin0Martian 3 года назад +6

    I have shared your entire trip on FB. I hope it brings more subscribers to you! I think you are a unique and fine human being Marie. Much love from Texas!!!

  • @beaverhurl
    @beaverhurl 3 года назад +1

    I was able to take my father all around Europe when he retired. He was an American history teacher and he finally got to touch everything he had taught. We visited Berlin, Salzburg, Paris, Normandy and finally Bastogne, Belgium. Bastogne was our favorite. The 101st Airborne Museum is quit a pleasant surprise. Add it to your list of travels, you won't be disappointed.

  • @beezalbub7325
    @beezalbub7325 3 года назад +3

    Thank you, young lady.

  • @daybeau7819
    @daybeau7819 3 года назад +3

    Frenchtastic Marie, the mixture of emotions you felt during your trip to the beaches of Normandy were expressed more eloquently through your tears than any mere words on a poet's page.
    Although cruelty exists, and people can commit horrid acts, I pray that--as you continue to reflect on the people and things in your life that make you grateful--you find ever more reasons for gratitude and that the love in your heart continues to inspire others.

  • @canadianeasybid
    @canadianeasybid 3 года назад +3

    I took this journey when I was 29 and it had the same impact on me. It is good to see again and reflect on what happened there and to never forget. Thanks so much for doing this. You are doing important work and don't forget that. We all appreciate you for being you.

  • @williamlilleston1595
    @williamlilleston1595 2 года назад

    I am an American. I also served in the US Navy from 1974-1984. The sacrifice of those brave and scared young men from every country, to help and liberate those in Europe, is truly amazing. They left a life and a country they knew, the US / Canada / England and other places for people and places they never knew. Some lived and some did not. That is the story of armed conflict. Young men ALWAYS pay the price for older men that are Generals, Admirals and Politicians. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are on average are just normal human beings. When they fight, they for their country and the people of that country. Politics have no bearing, nor does ideology. They fight for what they believe is right. Having said that, let us not forget the brave and scared young men of the German armed forces as well. Maybe we do not believe as they did, BUT they fought for their country, the people of their country and what they thought was right as well. God save and protect ALL servicemen ! They are always caught up in something bigger then they or their lives.

  • @steve-eq8kx
    @steve-eq8kx 3 года назад +7

    I am so very proud of you. You give me hope for the future. Thank you so much.

  • @MrSmithla
    @MrSmithla 3 года назад +2

    Precious Marie, you’ve clearly suffered, emotionally, through this trip. I don’t, at all, want to add to your anguish. My family visited the beaches, everything you saw. Your videos brought back many memories. What struck me, walking through the cemetery, was the

    • @MrSmithla
      @MrSmithla 3 года назад

      Sort of, profile, of those boys. So many weren’t yet out of their teens. At that time, for a nation that was just recovering from the Great Depression, it stands to reason that the vast majority of those boys had no or very limited opportunity to travel. Their trip across the Atlantic, to England, and the trip across the channel to Normandy would have been, for the vast majority of them, the only trip out of their country. It would been the furthest by many orders of magnitude, the farthest they had been from home. As you saw in ‘Ryan,’ so many of them didn’t or only barely made it to Normandy. The minority would have lived even weeks after the 6th of June but so many, traveled so far and died, essentially, immediately.

  • @shonuff4323
    @shonuff4323 3 года назад +7

    I really appreciate the gratitude you show for the people who fought and died to keep us all free. I have been wanting to visit Normandy for so long. I hope I can make it there within the next couple years. Thank you for these videos. They are great!

  • @jessehayes486
    @jessehayes486 3 года назад +4

    For decades I've wanted to visit Normandy and when I do, I'm sure it'll be a moving experience. Another excellent video!

  • @markjesik424
    @markjesik424 3 года назад +5

    Thank you for putting together these videos. It means a lot to be able to see where my grandfather landed on D-Day. I heard stories from him, but now I can sort of put a visual together with that.

  • @JuandeFucaU
    @JuandeFucaU 3 года назад +1

    "I don't get it... how can we just end up like this?" lest we forget... you did the best thing to prevent it happening again... learning history makes you smarter in the future.

  • @bobbyscott5162
    @bobbyscott5162 3 года назад +8

    You did a wonderful job filming and editing! I am glad you learned a lot. Never trust the modern news.

  • @anthonypanepinto9685
    @anthonypanepinto9685 3 года назад

    You expressed it very well Marie through your emotions. When you see all those grave markers and it sinks in that most of those young men were in their late teens to Mid -Twenties one realizes the price paid for freedom. To think those young men never got to live their lives and become Fathers and Grandfathers is very sad. We all owe them a great deal of gratitued. Thank You for doing this and Thank You for sharing.

  • @jamesbulldogmiller
    @jamesbulldogmiller 3 месяца назад +1

    My whole life I have read and studied military history. I live in the USA. So far I have not been able to visit these places in France. Thank You for showing Normandy . Because your video I feel as if I have visited there my self.

  • @RockOnSky
    @RockOnSky 3 года назад +3

    This coverage was your contribution for the following generations, so that they never forget. And I felt that it was a heartfelt wish from you, to do this... I am proud of you Marie! 🥰