Walking a mile in their shoes

It's not only true for history, it's true for family history as well. You can really understand your ancestors better once you see where they lived and walk in their footsteps.

Have a memorable Memorial Day.

 

Veterans Day 2020

Thank you to all those who have served in the military and who are currently serving. 

When we visited Normandy a few years ago, we had the chance to visit the American Cemetery there. Rows upon rows of white markers are a grim reminder of the price that was paid to liberate Europe.

More sobering and more poignant was the visit to the German Cemetery nearby. Rather than the smooth white crosses, their crosses are of rough hewn black stone. The markers tell the story of many who were cut down in their teens. The thing that moved me the most, however, is the care that is given to the graves of those who were the enemy. Their sacrifice — willing or unwilling — is not forgotten. The flags of the Allied nations fly outside, and flying alongside them is the flag of Germany.

It's a lesson we could learn today: Love your enemies. We're all in this thing together; let's try to get along.
 

A sacred space

Of all the places we visited during our field trip to Europe, the most meaningful was Normandy. Visiting the American Memorial Cemetery was stirring.

One thing I didn't know was that only 40 percent of those who were killed in the battle are buried there.

There was a particularly poignant moment for me when we stopped at Omaha Beach — the beaches are beautiful — and our students waded into the water amongst the floating piers. I watched as they came back in, and I realized that our kids were about the same age as many of those who took part in the battles there.

We also stopped at another cemetery in Normandy: La Cambe — the one for the German soldiers. Many of those buried there were also still in their teens. It certainly put a whole new perspective on the war.