Perhaps no monument to the fallen is more moving than the war cemeteries that line the coast. The largest American cemetery is at Colleville-sur-mer. White stone crosses and Jewish stars stretch out in long straight rows. The cemetery sits on a green bluff overlooking Omaha Beach, one of the sites where the Americans landed during the invasion. In contrast to the relatively austere American cemeteries, the British cemeteries have flowers, hedges and low walls that lend an air of intimacy. Epitaphs also mark each grave and drive home the sensation that each gravestone represents a true individual, not just an anonymous soldier.
In the night leading up to the dawn invasion of Normandy, British airborne soldiers used gliders to attack and capture the Pegasus bridge, a vital link across the Orne River. In doing so, the British hampered the Nazis' ability to mount a successful counterattack. Although the original bridge no longer stands, the Pegasus Memorial marks the location where the daring victory took place. The memorial is about three miles south of Ouistreham.
Situated just inland from Omaha and Utah Beaches, Ste-Mère-Église was one of the first critical towns captured by the Allies on D-Day. The town is well known for its church, which managed to survive the war despite heavy bombardment. During the invasion, an American paratrooper got his parachute caught on the steeple of the church as he was descending. The church of Saint-Mère-Église now has a permanent parachute attached to the roof to commemorate the incident.
Few signs remain of the actual invasion of Normandy. For the most part, the wide beaches appear tranquil and beautiful. However, the remnants of Mulberry Harbor near the town of Arromanches serve as a monument from the actual battle. During the D-Day invasion, the British towed a temporary harbor across the English channel. Today the breakwaters of the harbor are still visible decades after their needed use.
