Wandering Carol

After a trip to Normandy last June, Remembrance Day has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Even though it was a trip celebrating Impressionist art, it was impossible not to be affected by the devastation of the war. Here’s a whirlwind visit:

Dieppe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dieppe Memorial August 19, 1942, is  a special place. It’s not slick. They don’t have much money. It’s run by loveable volunteers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What the volunteers have is passion. And dignity. And heart. And that’s why I love them. FYI: If you go make sure you sit down and watch the film.

 

Caen

The Caen Memorial is huge, and will give you a comprehensive overview of World War II, with evocative displays, photos and temporary and permanent exhibitions. There are further exhibits on other 20th century conflicts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This photo above is Caen after the war – this picture alone can make you tear up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s large, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juno Beach

If you want to learn more about Canada in the war, Juno is the place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is something about the windblown landscape that takes you back in time. Back to D-Day, when 14,000 Canadian soldiers landed on Juno Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, the Juno Beach Centre is a tribute to the Canadian war efforts and, like Dieppe and Caen, it’s an ideal place to remember.  So that’s what I’m doing right now. Thanks, veterans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Tweet