The Beaches of Normandy tour is comprised of two separate buses, one with 35 people, and ours with 32. We joined up today for the first time at the American cemetery in Luxembourg, and the two veterans in attendance were asked and honored to place wreaths at the site of General Patton’s final resting place. It was a touching and emotional time for all as a lone bugle accompanied the ceremony with Taps.
It seems everywhere we’ve gone since we arrived in Europe, the tributes to the liberating service men and women of France and Belgium share one common theme…REMEMBER. It is not only mentioned once, but several times and in several places. That bears repeating, because if we don’t remember, the price paid for something dear (freedom, liberty, justice) is too easily forgotten. The Old Testament patriarchs knew this well, and they were the first to exemplify this. Because they knew at times doubt might settle in, but they wanted a physical reminder of the faithfulness of the Lord. The photos below are Belgium’s way of remembering the ‘friends’ who gave all in an effort to secure their future.
There is a church here that survived the severe bombing by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. Three times each day the bells toll, and they always start the tolls with the first two measures of the Star Spangled Banner. On a continent so far away, it is astounding, heartwarming, and humbling that these people, who are a generation removed, still choose to remember and honor the liberating forces of WWII. This is so poignant to me, but it’s hard to express in words why. Then I came across this post on Facebook last night…
The American patriotism is so much greater here, and more evident than it is at home. Still, there is hope for the USA. Through steadfast prayer and consistent attention to those we vote into office, ‘we the people’ can endeavor to remember, and pass those memories (the history of our country) on to our children and grandchildren.
‘If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’
2 Chronicles 7:14-16
Know that the list of wonderfuls extends well beyond the previous list for the breakfast bar! Fresh pressed apple juice and freshly squeezed orange juice are in there somewhere 👏👏!
Truly, this is one of the MOST comfortable and user friendly stays of my entire life. Not one, single thing I’d change. What makes it so spectacular?
I could go on, but time waits for no one, nor does the tour bus.😂😂😂. Today we will be joined by our second guide (Chris left us in Normandy), and 89-year-old gentleman who was nine years old when American troops arrived in German occupied Bastogne. He remembers it well, and lives to share his knowledge with we ‘yanks’. 🇧🇪 💕
Thus far, the best hometel yet. And a bathtub even! I’ll give you one guess as to where I’ve been for the past hour😂😂. I underpacked weather-wise, but after the heat and humidity of Jamaica and Cambodia, I WILL NOT complain about being cold!😂😂. So I’ve been wearing simple shirts when others are bundled up. On the first day I kept getting offers of jackets. One young man wouldn’t take no for an answer, so I dutifully wore his coat until we got back on the bus. I then started reassuring them that I have one of Dean’s flannel shirts if I need it, but not a day goes by that I don’t get several ‘aren’t you COLD?’ comments. I just smile and shake my head. I thought about picking up a jacket, but so far, I’ve been quite comfortable. And the tour group now knows that Dean and I are Montana tough😂😂.
From what we can see of Belgium thus far, it is every bit as lovely as Normandy. Belgium has the highest number of castles we were told, so I am looking forward to seeing some! And we have an electric tea kettle in our room, so tomorrow will be Starbucks granules 👏👏👏👏! Even with the espresso from the fancy-dancy machines, I still have to add a stick of Nestle coffee granules to make it taste more of what I am used to at home.
This evening’s dinner, Italian. Plus-One had lasagne bolognes, and I had the penne carbonara. Now we know to share something, as we had so much leftover. I feel bad leaving it behind, but it is just too much for one person to eat. So very tasty though!
We learned Belgium is renowned for their beer. I was worried I wouldn’t find any wine, but alas…best Cabernet of the trip!
I am going to love Bastogne🇧🇪👏👏.
Plus one fusses when I will not leave our passports locked in the safe in our hometels. They are with me and on me at all times (thank you, FDI). I’d like to think he relents from even asking me once more after this inconvenient example of what might happen. 😂😂
…but we de-boarded the YYZ ( Toronto)-MSP flight right next to this gate… Tempting. Very tempting!😂😂😂 But I proceeded on to my Missoula...
