"Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial" Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer by ExGuyParis

Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer Travel Guide: 26 reviews and 75 photos

The Spirit of American Youth Rising From the Waves

All the Dead Young Men

The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is located in Colleville-sur-Mere, about 18 km northwest of Bayeux and just east of Saint-Laurent-sur-Mere. It is the resting place of 9,387 Americans killed in the D-Day invasion of Normandy which began on June 6, 1944.

This 173 acre cemetery was given to the US by France for permanent use, free of charge or taxation.

It is a paradoxical place; incredibly beautiful and peaceful, yet a chilling reminder of the horrors and violence of war. As you walk by the crosses and Stars of David, and look at the names inscribed on each, you realize that each is a marker of a shattered life, of a distressed family, of an opportunity lost.

The cemetery is open from April 16 to September 30, 8h00 to 18h00 daily. In the winter (October 1 through April 15), the hours are 8h00 to 17h00 daily.

In the Graveyard Bloomed

Winter roses grace the graves. It was an an incredibly chilly day, and it had rained earlier in the morning... but the sun burst throught the clouds and illuminated a brilliant winter day.

The Memorial

This Memorial hosts the bronze statue "The Spirit of American Youth Rising From the Waves," sculpted by Donald De Lue (an American from New Jersey). On the two side walls, mosaic battle plans illustrate the scope of the Normandy invasion. Behind the Memorial, you can visit "The Garden of the Missing." Here are engraved the names of 1,557 additional military personnel whose remains were never recovered or positively identified.

Last visit to Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Mar 18, 2004
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Reviews (8)

Graves of the War Dead - Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer

Viewing the Dead Things to Do (8)

As you stand at the memorial, you look out across the graveyard, and the scope of the casualty of war hits you hard.... more travel advice

Pale Blue Water Once Ran Red - Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer

On The Beach Things to Do (8)

The view of Omaha Beach from the cemetery overlook. more travel advice

Reflections on War - Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer

In Memory Things to Do (8)

As you enter the cemetery, approaching the beach, you will see the memorial and its reflecting pool. The memorial houses... more travel advice

Overlooking History - Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer

Overlooking History Things to Do (8)

As you first enter the cemetery, take this walkway to the beach. Here you will overlook Omaha Beach, where one of the... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

1 - 3 of 3

Comments (13)

balhannah Oct 24, 2010 at 5:24 PM Report Abuse

A well kept cemetery of sad time in the past.
Nemorino Jul 6, 2008 at 12:26 PM Report Abuse

You're so right that it's overwhelming to imagine the individual story of each young man and what he went through, and then all the bereaved parents, wives, children. . .
Mikebond Dec 8, 2005 at 6:41 AM Report Abuse

Belle page. J'ai visité, moi aussi, le cimetière de Colleville-sur-Mer et les lieux du débarquement.
BarryAir Oct 25, 2005 at 7:19 AM Report Abuse

Great page you have here! I will visit in November. Why? I just feel compelled to, and beleive everyone should have to go and see a true result of wars. Barry in Louisiana
Hexepatty Aug 4, 2005 at 8:33 PM Report Abuse

Visited the D-Day Museum in New Orleans recently. The oral histories by men there was chilling and surreal. Seeing your photos brought back the reality.
freya_heaven Feb 14, 2005 at 11:26 AM Report Abuse

This is such a moving place to visit, a well done page Paul, thank you.
dinhyen Feb 11, 2005 at 2:44 PM Report Abuse

This place evokes strong emotions, and you did an outstanding and touching presentation, Paul. This is a place I've always wanted to visit.
mustertal Aug 30, 2004 at 2:03 PM Report Abuse

I keep promising myself a visit,I hope one day to pay my respects.
tessy Jul 24, 2004 at 2:47 AM Report Abuse

Excelllent page. I visited this cemetary years ago - I was overwhelmed - with tears in my eyes.....
deecat Jul 2, 2004 at 3:08 AM Report Abuse

Paul..thank you for such a wonderful tribute to all those young men. Every American on VT should read these pages. I have tears in my eys. My father was in WWII in the Pacific, and I am quite sentimental about it all.