Day 12: Normandy - Day of Remembrance

Our Silent Hero, Ernest A. Tanksley

Today was an incredibly emotional and moving day.  The 15 students and teachers of the Normandy Institute traveled to the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer to visit the graves of our Silent Heroes and read a eulogy for them.  This program is meant to give these soldiers a voice and reclaim their stories from anonymity.  All of the students were extremely impressive.  They delivered powerful and heartfelt eulogies in honor of their soldier.  Isaac blew me away.  He had the privilege of presenting both his eulogy for Pfc Ernest A. Tanksley and a student briefing on notifying families of the death of their loved ones today, and he excelled during both speeches.  Wearing his Eagle Scout uniform, he lived up to all of the Boy Scouts ideals and more.  I'll let you see for yourself in the videos.  First, I'll link to his student briefing which he gave to the group after we first entered the cemetery.

Isaac presenting his student briefing

Mrs. Hammer (WY) talking to Isaac about Boy Scouts

Isaac being interviewed - celebrity in the making

Normandy American Cemetery is a breathtaking place.  It overlooks Omaha Beach and the English Channel where thousands of Americans landed on D-Day.  Over 9,000 American soldiers are buried in the cemetery, and it is beautifully cared for by the American Battle Monuments Commission.  Here are some views from the cemetery and scenes from the other students' eulogies.

The cemetery covers over 172 acres

Map of the Allied campaign in Normandy

Dr. B and Isaac 

Dr. B, Isaac, and Dr. Chadbourne (ret. U.S. Navy)

Isaac and Mr. Frank O'Grady (ret. Air Force)

Caleb (IA) and Amadea (PA) laying the ceremonial wreath

The Normandy Scholars gathering for a eulogy

White Rose Ceremony for Lt. Cecil H. Corley (Sigma Chi brother)

Sydney and Mrs. Hammer (WY) - Also honoring a 90th Division Tough Hombre

Pfc Tanksley is in Lot D - probably the best view in the cemetery

Pfc Robert N. Shotton from Washington, D.C. honored at the Tablets of the Missing

After 13 other students gave eulogies, Isaac delivered his eulogy for Pfc Ernest Allen Tanksley.  I could write a summary of his life and accomplishments, but it is much more powerful hearing Isaac's wonderful eulogy to him.

Isaac and Dr. B by Pfc Tanksley's grave

It's important that we spread Buck's story and keep his legacy alive

Pfc Tanksley has a famous neighbor

Isaac gave a beautiful tribute

Isaac left a red rose, a Normandy scholars pin, and a 90th Division patch

May we never forget his service and sacrifice

Isaac got to keep the flags, now carrying sacred soil

It's tough to describe the emotions this day brought out in me.  From the moment I heard about this program, I knew that this day would be unforgettable.  I'm so proud of Isaac and his commitment to telling Ernest's story.  We will continue to spread the word, so others will know what Buck and these many men did for our country.  Thank you Isaac, Mr. Albert H. Small and National History Day for allowing us to tell Buck's story!

Isaac on the walkway (famous for opening scene of Saving Private Ryan)

The crosses are almost perfectly aligned 

Reflecting pool overlooking the English Channel

Omaha Beach 

Students having lunch near the beach

After a stop by a local book store to purchase Dr. Dehays book on St. Mere Eglise and a few hours for unwinding and reflection, we all gathered together for one final dinner in Bayeux.  It was a great night with a lot of laughs.  It's amazing the bonds that have been made in these two weeks, and I'm sure we'll continue to hold on to these connections in the future.

Closing Dinner