D-Day Post 3

Ste Mere Eglise. Another famous WWII site on the coast of France. Another tragic story.

Do you see the 'dummy' hanging from a paracute on the church? That is permanently there.

Early in the morning June 6, 1944, a fire broke out in the center of town. All of the towns people and a few soldiers came to help fight the fire from the towns pump, with buckets. (the pump is still there) As they were doing this, men started falling out of the air. Right on top of German soldiers with guns. Who called for back up, and yes, killed the majority of the U.S. paratroopers. Illuminated by the light from the fire, this made matters even worse as German soldiers shot them coming down, hanging in trees, or from light posts.

The famous story is of a man who was caught on the church. He hung there for more than two hours pretending to be dead, until the Germans cut him down and took him prisoner, he later escaped and rejoined his group and helped with the overtaking of the city.

This is the stained glass window from the church, I think it's beautiful. It really tells so much of how these people, and many others, were rescued from such a terrible time. Anyway, you may know the movie The Longest Day, or at least or dad's or husband's might. And in the game Call to Duty, both depict this event. It's pretty famous.

Peter has wanted to come here since he was a little boy. He finally made it.

If you can't imagine soldiers darting in and out of these streets, then you my friend, have not seen enough WWII movies. Hurry. Saturday is just around the corner, I'll bet you anything you'll be able to find one on in the afternoon. Just kidding. It really was neat to see this place in real life. Even the outdoor urinals...