Sometimes getting lost isn’t such a bad thing. In the spring of 2004, while on holidays in France, we made a wrong turn and ended up learning a lot about Canadian history and bravery.
We were in Normandy, taking the scenic route from Mont Saint-Michel to Reims when we began seeing signs thanking Canadian soldier and recognizing their participation in the liberation of that part of France in the days following the D-Day landings. We immediately changed course and headed for the coast, with no map it was an afternoon of ‘follow the sign posts and hope for the best.”
We arrived at Juno Beach late in the afternoon and discovered the Juno Beach Centre, the only Canadian museum in Normandy. It is dedicated to recognizing the war efforts made by all Canadians, not only soldiers but civilians as well.
When we tried to buy tickets we were informed that the building closed in 30 minutes and perhaps we should come back tomorrow. Knowing that we would be half way across the country by midnight and not willing to miss the opportunity, we decided to get the most we could out of the next 30 minutes.
It was an amazing 30 minutes. The first four and a half minutes was a video that showed a brief history of the D-Day training and landing and includes personal comments from soldiers and families. That alone was worth the price of entry.
The other rooms provided a variety of exhibits, some interactive and some pictorial that walk you through the lives of soldiers and those impacted by the war. You see the uniforms, personal items and weapons of soldiers, you get to read personal letters both to and from families and you are treated to an insight into their lives, loves and fears.
One room – Some Came Back, Others Did Not, reminds you of all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their names are projected onto the ceiling and the somber colours of the room remind you that we enjoy our freedom because of their ultimate sacrifice.
We left the Centre with a greater understanding and a greater respect for those who fought for our freedom.
Bunker at Juno Beach
We were lucky enough to be able to explore a newly uncovered German bunker on the beach in front of the Centre. It was used to fortify the beach against invasion and was one of many which our soldiers had to get past during the landing. The bunker reinforced the incredible challenges that were faced by the troops during the invasion. The bunker was almost flush with the beach, making it almost impossible to approach and almost impossible to attack. It truly brought home the enormity of the invasion.
This is definitely a place that we will be going back to. The men and women who it honours deserve more than the time we were able to give it.
Thank You!
