Normandy Omaha Beach Memorial – Part 2

Les Braves Memorial – Omaha Beach

After our visit of the Normandy American Cemetery, we had to drive to the beach in order to see the memorial. Someone told us that you can no longer walk to the beach from the cemetery due to previous terrorist threats, requiring the area to now be blocked off. The good news is it wasn’t very far to drive at all. Most of these are all so close together.

Omaha Beach as seen from the cemetery

Not walking distance but definitely a short ride. The Omaha Beach memorial was beautiful. I loved the structural design and metal with sharp edges. The meaning of the memorial represents three elements. The Wings of Hope, Rise Freedom and the Wings of Fraternity. 


Banner – Dedicated to the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom

In the center, there are seven stainless steel columns and a group of five columns that curve upwards, two columns stand upright, with the tallest reaching 30 feet. Stainless steel wings gracefully stand on both sides.The memorial was created in 2004 for the 60th anniversary of D-Day by french sculpture, Anilore Banon. 


While standing in awe of the structure, I believe everyone sees something different. I could see the sharp edges of the monument being the extreme danger and blood shed on the beach on D-day and the wings are Gods Angels lifting up those that fought and lost their lives that day.

Original Omaha beach monument sits just off the beach directly in front of the stainless steel sculpture. This is farther off the beach. All Allies and American flags are flying on each side.

The beach seemed to be many miles in depth and width. There were various locations along the beach and the memorial in which fresh white roses were placed in remembrance of these men and women that fought here. We didn’t make it to Utah beach this trip but hope to another day. Utah was another section of the Normandy beach invaded by US Troops. The other three sections of the Normandy beach utilized during the invasion were named Juno for Canadian Allies, Gold & Sword for the British. As you can tell, this was a huge group effort of many allies working together to free this area from Hitler before he was able to invade into further territory.

Omaha Beach. Many fresh white roses stuck in the sand

A diagram providing information about Omaha beach

Omaha beach looking west to Utah beach, another American D-Day point of entry

Visiting the beach was another experience we’ll remember for our lifetime. We talk about the history and hope that our grandchildren and great-grandchildren are still being taught about the sacrifices our country has made and continues to make to keep us free.

May God bless you all.

Chuck & Lea Ann


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