America's Honored Dead at Normandy | History Traveler Episode 203

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

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[@your_royal_highness]

They let you in early, eh? That had to be something to have the cemetery to yourself and the fact you got permission to use the drone. Did you walk up the paved path from the beach? I know that is now closed for “security reasons” (which I do not understand). I did not have a lot of time to spend there, so I only got pics of Teddy Roosevelt Jr and his brother from WW1. I read about Jimmie Monteith and wanted to see his grave.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

@@your_royal_highness -Yeah, it was pretty humbling. Didn’t walk up that path. I’ve been to Normandy 4 times now and still haven’t walked up that way.

[@jbrhel]

My Dad, who landed on Omaha beach on D+3, would have cried while watching this video. Just like I did. Thanks for posting.

[@TheFreebrid]

Thanks for your dad's sacrifice he help to save the world and I respect everyone of them who did GOD BLESS HIM

[@jllucci]

God bless the Greatest Generation.

[@hans-joachimmarseille8957]

yankee murderers

[@rodrigopiloto3364]

God bless your dad

[@ChristyD067]

I have had the honor of visiting the American Cemetery and was moved beyond words. What these brave men that day we should all take a moment to thank and honor them.

[@johnnicatra570]

My son and I visited in 2017.Very emotional.

[@rw9866]

Its a very humbling experience,

[@joehunts432]

The sacrifice that these men gave, that their families made, and to this world should never be forgotten. Thank you JD for an excellent series and for reminding us of the sacrifices made.

[@loushark6722]

It will NEVER be forgotten Angels

[@safety86]

The Normandy American Cemetery is incredible. Scott, the superintendent, is like a walking WWII encyclopedia and keeps the grounds immaculate.

[@mehullad2383]

There is something so universal as human Beings in this. I as an Indian citizen has no personal ties to D-Day or even WW2, but this video and the series has me hooked and emotional.

[@philthefriendlyfrog]

These events, weather we know it or not, effect all of mankind ,and you acknowledge that ..peace

[@mehullad2383]

@@philthefriendlyfrog agreed. They were called World Wars for a reason. But unlike many others, I have no relatives who fought in the war, nor have I met anyone who fought in it. This war also wasn’t fought in our country, but still these stories of exceptional individuals transcend all of that.

[@Gitarzan66]

I love it when you stop and read their names. I can't think of a better way to pay our respects than to say their names out loud.

[@hansbuls6109]

I’ve met a veteran on the cemetary who lost thirteen buddy’s on D-Day and they all buried overthere. It was a very emotional day for the vet! 🌹

[@americanschweitzer45]

Yes JD that verse in John is one of my favorites! I as well like Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us”? And I said, “ Here am I, send me”! There are others that are my favorites, but this comment would go on forever lol! Great work JD! Those men can NEVER be forgotten🇺🇸

[@poulterbaz]

I have had the honour to visit Coleville Sur Mer. A truly humbling experience, even for a Brit like me. It makes you realise the cost of war, and the true heroes that will forever lay in that sacred soil of France, they they fought for. Thank you to a veteran never seems enough for all that they have done for our lives today.

[@davidgillies5342]

My word does`nt it just.

[@michaeldouglas1243]

Outstanding and fitting end to a terrific series. I have to admit I got emotional watching today's episode primarily because it made me think of my deceased grandpa. Marvin albert Douglas, 2 purple hearts, bronze star. He was first wave Omaha with the first division 16th infantry regiment as well and this was his 3rd invasion. North Africa and Sicily prior. His company commander kimball Richmond received a silver star on d day and went on to earn 3 more before the wars end and he also received the distinguished service cross. Pap talked of capt Richmond often calling him the old man. He had a mental breakdown finally around Aachen and pap said they never saw him again. When pap was alive he said I think of him often and can still see him swimming ashore on Omaha when his boat blew up. Anyhow yesterday was the date my grandpa passed away in 2014 at age 95. My hero forever. Thank u J.D.

[@foxtrotromeo25]

I've been to this cemetery several times over the last few years. I'm not American, but I've always found it profoundly moving walking amongst these brave men's last resting place.

[@loushark6722]

Me too.

[@kimbradley9595]

Huh really

[@jamescolbert5902]

And Thank God we can chose who we call friends and chose who we will lie down for.

[@cynditermath9118]

Can’t see the American Cemetery in Normandy without thinking of Frederick Synold, my uncle. He served with the 82nd Airborne. He rests in the American Cemetery. Hope someday to take his great and great-great nephews and nieces to lay a wreath on his grave. I thank him and all who gave the last full measure for freedom and peace. Seeing all the markers always brings tears to my eyes. All these men left families they loved and futures they hoped for behind them. May they Rest In Peace. Thanks for honoring all of them, JD.

[@mamab4211]

😔💞 Each and everyone one of those graves hold a Hero. May they Rest In Peace. And May we all be grateful and honor their sacrifice 💞

[@dougcostello9064]

What a beautiful and tranquil place. May they all Rest In Peace. ✝️

[@helenabiesma5560]

I did not know about the other son dying in WWI- of Roosevelt -brilliant than to be put together - again beautiful remembered!!

[@oliversteiger4536]

I would like to say a big thank you to your channel and friends channels... I usually spend the week around June 6th in Normandy. I enjoy the festivals, the vehicles and tanks (as a former tank driver of course) The uniforms and the exchange with veterans... Unfortunately I haven't been able to go since the 75th anniversary... I enjoy every single episode of you. Thanks and thanks again. Greetings from Switzerland.

[@michaelmcguinness4108]

Forever young and may they rest in peace. For the love of the world may they never be forgotten as they paid the ultimate sacrifice. 🙏

[@MrWisconsinLeather]

What I loved the best is the slowly elevating ending sequence....poignant and spiritual without any words needed! Great job as usual.

[@marksullivan1237]

Sir. I’ll let your comment speak exactly my feelings…well said Sir. JD seems to outdo himself every wonderfully historic and at same time tasteful episode.

[@guywerry6614]

@@marksullivan1237 As a Canadian I have been consistently moved to deep emotion by his tasteful and respectful treatment of the Canadian role in the invasion. This is often overlooked.

[@w0happ3l]

It makes me humble to live in a liberated country. Im from Holland and visit Margraten cemetary on a regular basis. This is the allied cemetary of the battle of Arnhem. Respect to you to honor these man like you do

[@michaelrichardson6051]

My father's friend, they were in the same rifle company in the 29th division. His name is Frank Moles from Pennsylvania. Killed in action November 18, 1944 is buried in Margraten Cemetery.

[@Castlebank_Sidings]

Produced with meaning and empathy. Huge respect JD

[@janicepounds9934]

The bravery of these men is a an alien concept to me. I don't know how they kept coming off of those boats when they could see the fate of their fellow soldiers. Granted, I have not had the challenges they faced but when I sit and think about those young men, I think they all deserved the medal of honor. Thank you for sharing!

[@danielsibley6322]

That passage from John has always impressed me and choked me up. I had the honor of being at Bedford for the 75th celebration of DDAY and saw as well as spoke to some of the remaining heroes who were there. I have never been and most likely will never be nearer to greatness in my life.

[@caroltricarico5936]

It's awesome and touching that the people of France honored our men in such a beautiful place and with respect and dignity.

[@garretvaughn7936]

A beautiful, loving, and respectful tribute to the men who gave their all for the freedom of mankind. I appreciate the spirit of your presentation. God bless, good sir.

[@davidmathie8360]

I have visited this Cemetery many times .On my own and with friends. It never fails to bring tears and a silent thank you to these brave heroes . In these dark days in Eastern Europe we can only pray we never see this again. RIP.

[@stevevalley2784]

Hats off to HU. Very nice memorial to our fallen from Normandy. It's nice how you incorporate the Bible & God in your videos from time to time. Fitting for a Sunday morning.. Thank You!

[@vivians9392]

I think about how young most of them were, robbed of a full life. God bless them all thru eternity!

[@markferguson1832]

I will probably never have the honor to visit a place like Normandy Thank you for what you do 🇺🇸

[@wolfrv695]

My God can’t imagine the horrors that those young men went through Thank you

[@oconnellsfarm811]

When I visited the cemetery I was overwhelmed by it remember coming out and when sit in my car tears just flowed and my heart hurt just got same feeling watching your opening of video thanks lad lovely video god bless them all

[@TheFreebrid]

Thank you for giving tribute to my fellow Virginians from Bedford VA I live in Staunton VA just a hop skip and jump to the war memorial in Bedford but Virginia has always fought for freedom

[@stephenrrose]

Humbled, Thankful, Prayerful !!! Thank you JD,

[@chrislofts7934]

An amazing tribute to the heroes that gave their all for our freedom. Beautifully shot and narrated by you with much respect to the fallen and their families. As always I love your work. Cheers from Oz🇦🇺🍻🙏

[@Wreckdiver59]

Thanks JD. There's not a lot to add to your words. It must have been very moving to have been there. I hope to visit one day.

[@tennesse_courier]

Truly amazing tribute to those who have fallen. Say their names and they will be remembered.

[@jeffe9842]

Very moving and excellent episode, JD. Somehow, I was expecting the very verse you quoted at the beginning of the episode. I've been to the D-Day memorial in Bedford, VA. Anyone who is in the area should plan to visit it. It's very interesting.

[@pvfd304]

Thank you, my great uncle was with Company A and was buried there. I had the opportunity to visit his grave a few years ago. As I traveled the nearby village, I saw a school playground full of children playing. It was that moment that some sort of peace came over me knowing that his sacrifice along with many others made this possible. God bless all our veterans.

[@joshuacourville2903]

Seeing you stand by Quentin and teddy Jr brought back memories...I stood where u were in July 1999...a very peaceful sovereign place

[@beckysteinmiller338]

Thank you for taking us along on your journey. Blessings to all those who are at rest there. ❤️

[@michaelbyrne1596]

Another example of the humility dignity and grace that your videos are known for. Brining the stories of some who gave the ultimate back to life even for a few minutes. As long as we remember them they will not be forgotten. The sadness of each death aches that bit more when father and son or brothers are side by side. Great video JD

[@jeremydiamond8824]

Amazing as always great photogenic and documentary 😎🇺🇸👍🏻🦅🇨🇦🇬🇧🇾🇪

[@jordancollins1227]

A truly solemn episode. It would do a lot of people In todays world a great deal to see all those graves of men who didn’t get the opportunity to live life, they have there’s for the greatest gift of all. Freedom

[@dave3156]

Outstanding video JD! What a moving sight to gaze across all the markers. These are heroes one and all. Thanks for sharing JD! Very emotional experience indeed.

[@rikijett310]

So extremely humbling watching this. It must be overwhelming emotionally to walk among them. My endless thanks to all of them and may God bless them always. ✝️🇺🇸

[@2ManyHobbies16]

I have no words, only the tears that run down my face. Ty for reminding me.

[@judyrodriguez1525]

Another outstanding and moving piece. Thank you JD. The D Day Memorial in Bedford County Virginia would be a great follow up to this. Been there twice. It is a very well done and moving place to visit.

[@budmatto9205]

I also recommend visiting the D Day Memorial in Bedford Co., VA. Amazing video.

[@seanohare5488]

True

[@JustinHEMI05]

Speaking of missing soldiers, when I was over there, I went driving on back roads in the Ardennes and there are memorials to soldier remains found decades later. That area has seen so much fighting that 1) it's still dangerous in that they still find live ordinance often and 2) are still finding remains all these decades later. Crazy to think about.

[@harryfaber]

If you go to the lovely town of Ypres in Belgium, and go and stand on the ramparts near the Lille Gate, or the Menen gate, and look towards the fields between Ypres and Menen, and contemplate what happened there between 1914 and 1918, slowly you will realise that there are the remains of 10s of thousands of men in those fields, killed in ways that meant that nothing was found. Ordnance from WW1 is still being found.

[@JustinHEMI05]

@@harryfaber I'll add that to the itinerary when I go back. There's too much history to fit into one trip. Thank you.

[@Luke-Hike]

@@harryfaber very interesting mate. Thanks

[@steveparker7240]

What a nice and timely tribute. My dad died this morning, age 89, and will be buried in the DFW National Cemetery. He served in Vietnam.

[@zekesgirl100]

Bless your family.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Quite the honor for him to be laid to rest in such a place. Condolences for you and your family.

[@marcipittman704]

I have been in that American Cemetery on a day tour of Normandy on Memorial Day of 2013 and it was a powerful experience! My grandfather from Western Virginia near Rocky Mount was in the Pacific theater in the Navy but by God’s grace came home at the end of the war. Thank you for your video!

[@dougholck4276]

Another of your videos that gives me chills. Your skills at combining the stories, the footage, and the music are really top-notch. Thank you for all the work you do to share these topics with the interwebs.

[@andynjw1163]

Doesn't matter how much I prepare myself everytime I see all those graves my heart breaks. 😢😢😢

[@WFMeyer]

Once again, loved it. Fantastic and touching stories, great cinematography and perfect music choices. You sir, are a great storyteller.

[@philprice6993]

I personally visited the American cemetery in Oct 2017 while on a tour around Normady.I also visited the British Cemeteries dotted around the Area & thought it was a shame we British hadn't done something Similar.Saying that I thought it was nice to see in several British Cemeteries there was often an area with German Graves .After all as they say its the Politicians who create war & the Soldiers who pay the price. I have thought many a time upon watching your content "I wish I'd seen your videos THEN toured the areas you'd covered As we drove passed the museum on "Deadmans corner" without stopping ,now I wish we had had the time too Stop & take a look around. Thank you for taking us ALL along with you .

[@paulbatchelder6556]

I’ve watched all of your episodes and they are fantastic. Thank you especially for this one. This put a lump in my throat. I can only hope that we, as a nation and as individuals, never forget the price paid by these and other men who perished in service to our country.

[@bobbycars1340]

God Bless the Bedford Boys, from Huddleston Va. They truly are not forgotten.

[@jaf2011]

I live not far from Bedford. If you haven’t made a trip to the memorial in Bedford you need to, it’s something else. I love your videos, keep it up.

[@deant9606]

Thank you for the respect and dignity you showed throughout these tremendous videos. Paul Woodadge was terrific too.

[@simonrussell6884]

Never forgotten.

[@paulrobinson8263]

Thank you, your knowledge and how you put it across is fantastic, again thank you very very much, i take my hat off to you, Robbo 👌👍

[@dawnberthold3894]

Thank you JD, I cried tears of gratitude.

[@claudethibaudeau2714]

I just had a thought...why didn't they keep the Niland brothers true names in Saving Private Ryan? It would've made that movie so much more historical I think. It sure puts a lump in one's throat seeing all those crosses and how all in line they still are. It's like they're all standing at attention in a parsde square. God bless them all 😔🇨🇦🇺🇸🙏

[@JB-vt5sz]

Because if they used the real names the family would need to be paid. Saving Private Ryan is a Hollywood movie, not a documentary. I suggest watching “The Real Rocky” to understand how Hollywood tends to keep cost low and profit very high

[@XxBloggs]

Interesting idea but it wasn’t that historically accurate a movie. I mean look at the incorrect beach obstacles in the movie…

[@Pandrnchicken]

Keep it private?

[@ItzzMeJSU]

Probably the crew weren’t given rights to use the name or smthng

[@RobinHullBuilds]

🇬🇧🙏🏻

[@stevelinscome728]

Thank you again J.D.!

[@Carolbearce]

Well done and thank you for learning the stories of the people buried here. It is a beautiful and sad place. So many lost their loves in Normandy.

[@pamelahalliburton8573]

Thank you for this video. I am so moved by this. I have read and seen the stories about D-Day but this is simply an incredible site to see even if not in person. Maybe someday I will see it.

[@billn8304]

That opening really got to me. Beautiful job! That closing shot is spectacular!

[@judygrandstrand9784]

Tears are flowing as I watch and listen today. So many laid down their life for me. I do not take that lightly. May God bless you and keep you. Thank you for sharing their stories with us.

[@MCab2000]

I was at that cemetery for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and seeing the amount of Crosses/Star of David’s really impacts you. There are so many! It’s a sobering reminder of the price of freedom.

[@jess.e]

I never knew a soldier nor a veteran from any of the wars but watching this video and listening to some of their stories gave me such a strong feeling of sadness, especially when I think of what the families of these soldiers underwent upon receiving news of their loved ones' death. In particular, I am thinking of the woman who lost both her husband and her son. Good and faithful servants, may you all rest in peace, with eternal gratitude.

[@oldtanker4860]

People fail to realize that history is not just a dry recitation of facts and numbers. Every one of those facts and numbers reflects on the actions and sacrifice of real people. Far too many of them sacrificed all of their tomorrows so that we could have our todays in peace and freedom. History demands a high price in human lives and misery. Thank you for bringing their actions and sacrifice to light so that people could understand the real human cost of warfare. You do this so well and with such respect.

[@normahird9059]

JD...... Another superb vlog. It is indeed very powerful. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you

[@the_tuckski]

Poignant and respectful as ever, this episode encapsulates how it feels whenever you visit

[@rolfagten857]

A salute from me for those heroes who liberated my country in 1944!

[@ckhicks]

I need to visit this place. I have two sons, both under five, and really appreciate the way you respectfully told these stories. Thank you.

[@swtexan6502]

So very moving to hear the stories and see their final resting place. Interesting to read (I"m re-reading Band of Brothers) that Fritz Niland was good friends of Skip Muck from E. Co. 506th, 101st Airborne, who was killed in action defending Bastogne.

[@benjaminrush4443]

Finally, after viewing, VHS, & DVD Rentals, Library Borrowing, I purchased the Bood & DVD. Eventually, I donated both to the library. About a month ago, I rented the same donated DVD of Band of Brothers to watch again. Probably No. One repeated watch for me. Massachusetts Viet Nam Era Service.

[@swtexan6502]

@@benjaminrush4443 Thank you for your service, Sir! Former Marine, here! Semper Fi!

[@c.edwardmackin2510]

Wow... Amazing job on this one brother. Reverently spoken and visually honoring, beautifully created and respectful. Thank you for consistently offering such information, so artfully. I am sincerely grateful.

[@heatherrigby7371]

WOW... The most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Thank you Donnie

[@aslooijer]

Cant thank them enough. It’s such an impressive and inspirational place. It’s a life changer. Ty JD. On to the next place.

[@OneTrueKing316]

Thank you for sharing with us JD. It’s great to see that you are bringing your faith out to the open more. I love seeing what God is doing with you in being able to share the history of the world with us. You are truly blessed my brother. Looking forward to the next place…

[@charlottereed8060]

I am so glad to know you read your Bible and share with us!! I am a Christian and have my devotions every morning while I eat my breakfast!! I can tell you are a great guy and am happy to “meet” you!! GOD BLESS YOU IN YOUR TRAVELS!!!🙏🏻❤️

[@robertspeicher5047]

There is a book about finding the missing , " The Dead of Winter ". Two men, Belgian, who work to find the missing Americans. They wrote this book. They have found some and those dead can be found buried at other cemetaries. You might be interested in the effort to find all of the missing in europe.

[@EchoKilo]

One of the most powerful moments we experienced was right before you leave the visitor's center into the cemetery. The names are read of the soldiers in the cemetery on an audio loop. It is one of those places that you could spend an entire day there.

[@dwightadams3853]

Thank you JD for a wonderful experience.

[@erickstiner1668]

What a powerful video. So many lives altered for eternity. RIP our brave service members.

[@johngetty3839]

I've been fortunate to visit the cemetery twice in my life. I could never spend enough time there or walking the beach to end my fascination with the stories of June 6th, 1944. The bravery of those who took those first step out of the landing craft will always be an inspiration. Well done episode, as always. Thanks for doing it.

[@matthewbaker7540]

Just humbling to see this. Your cinematography is amazing and truly inspiring.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙏🏼

[@sparky11976]

Wonderful segment JD!!! So proud of you and how you honor those that gave it all. To God be the Glory. God Bless

[@CaliforniaFly]

Brings tears to my eyes...

[@Meme-mq4nu]

Thank you so much for this documentary. We visited the cemetery three weeks ago. The exhibition at the visitor center, especially the movie, are very informative. My daughter and I were left in tears after we finished watching the short movie there. 😢

[@STL2steppin]

Great series sir. A fitting end and well presented of course. Your aerial footage in this series was fantastic and this episode was no exception. Thank you JD.

[@mattdrury10]

Well done JD. A moving tribute to brave men. Thank you.

[@jimmyhorton8297]

Made me think of an experience I had at Patriots Point which happened to be with a friend who was/is a Marine on Memorial Day. Came across a display at the entrance to an area called “ The Viet Nam experience “ , that I have never forgotten. A simple blue board with lots of dog tags and a bible verse. Isaiah 6:8, Also I heard the voice of the lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I , here am I, send me. Thanks for honoring those who sacrificed all their tomorrows.

[@margaretsands4172]

Not sure if it s appropriate to say that a war cemetery is beautiful, but this one is. We have a War Cemetery here in Darwin, Australia and there is one grave that always makes me cry and it has the inscription "Our Daddy" on it. Might sound corny, but I always get a sense of peace there. As we towards ANZAC Day here in Australia, may we never forget what these brave men and women , who became casualties of war did for their countries during past and present wars and we must also remember the civilians who became unwitting casualties during these wars. Lest We Forget✝

[@brian96597]

what an awesome shot at the end. great work as always.

[@erickstiner1668]

I have been to Bedford VA and was honored to visit the memorial in that town. Really moving. Read a great book called Bedford Boys.

[@richardallen3289]

My wife's father "Roy U Talhelm" " G ' 506 is youngest in cemetery .Still 17 God bless them all🇺🇸

[@richardlong5404]

Once again, thank you.

[@ianmartens5286]

Very moving video. Thanks for sharing your faith and honouring these men that gave their life for ours to be free.

[@jodyolsen4975]

Thamk you Sir, your videos are a great service to our country and families involved

[@leesherman100]

Your videos possess a quality which others do not. And that would be the human element which makes the story extra special for the listener. Thank you.

[@philmathenia2265]

Just moving..Thanks JD