This post is a little more than a week late, but I've given myself some time to let the institute sink in, so I could properly synthesize my feelings.
I've gained such a wider knowledge of World War II, but also what sacrifice truly means. Through retracing Ernest Tanksley's footsteps, and understanding what his sacrifice meant, I feel that although I still may lack a perfect knowledge of what every sacrifice means I have a broader understanding of what sacrifice in general means. This institute has given me a personal connection that I believe so many people desire. I consider myself incredibly blessed to have this opportunity.
These kids in the above picture (Plus Spencer, for some reason he's not in this picture...) are so amazing. We were all able to become a family somehow within the short amount of time we knew each other. The hardest part about leaving this institute wasn't leaving the amazing food, or beautiful landscape. The hardest part was walking away from each and every one of the members of my "Normandy Famille" at the airport. They've all definitely made a lasting impact on my life, just another reason why this trip is life changing.
To close, I'd just like to share a couple random pics from the trip. Enjoy!
Today was a great last full day in France. We got to see some amazing sights and wind down from an emotional day yesterday. We began in Bayeux at the hotel for breakfast and set off for Giverny, the location of famous impressionist painter Claude Monet's home. We got to see his gardens, including his famous water gardens. After lunch in Giverny, we got the wonderful news that we were heading to Paris for the afternoon. Our bus driver Pascal took us right next to the Eifel Tower and told us we had 3 hours to explore. Isaac and I, along with Mrs. Gilson and Josh from Idaho set off to see as much of Paris as possible. We located the closest Metro subway train, and took it to the old city where Notre Dame Cathedral sits. We got a couple photos, did some souvenir shopping, and then got back on the Metro to go to the Arc de Triumph. After a quick photo, we got another Metro back to the Eifel Tower. In three hours we saw the Big 3 of Paris. It was fun getting to take Isaac and Josh on the subway to give them that experience. The group met back at the Eifel Tower, and we rode out to our hotel near Charles de Gaulle Airport. It was a long day of travel, but well worth it because of the awesome opportunity to experience Paris. Vive la France!
Dr. Dehays read a French children's book to the students (it was about farm animals)
Giverny - Monet's gardens
Claude Monet's House
Some of the great impressionist works in his living room
Monet original
Nice view from the second floor
The gardens were immaculately kept
Dr. B and Isaac in the Water Gardens
Water lilies
Isaac, Matt (NH), and Liam (PA)
Lunch near the gardens
We're in Paris
Eifel Tower, that's a soccer ball hanging from the middle for Euro 2016
Isaac along the Seine River
Isaac and Josh on the Metro
Notre Dame - Quasimodo is up there somewhere
The Gothic architecture and detailed sculptures are incredible
The Cathedral is impressive from below
Charlemagne's statue near Notre Dame
Josh, Mrs. Gilson (ID), and Isaac waiting for the train
Arc de Triumph (3 for 3 famous Paris sights in 3 hours)
Napoleon's monument to himself
The traffic around the Arc - it makes no sense
Australian Embassy has a pretty good location in Paris
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.
These kids in the above picture (Plus Spencer, for some reason he's not in this picture...) are so amazing. We were all able to become a family somehow within the short amount of time we knew each other. The hardest part about leaving this institute wasn't leaving the amazing food, or beautiful landscape. The hardest part was walking away from each and every one of the members of my "Normandy Famille" at the airport. They've all definitely made a lasting impact on my life, just another reason why this trip is life changing.
To close, I'd just like to share a couple random pics from the trip. Enjoy!
Thank you all so much for following our trip!
