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Awe and reflection at the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc

You are here: Home / Study Abroad experience / Awe and reflection at the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc

June 3, 2022 By: Guest Blogger

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Scenic view of crosses in the ground at Normandy American Cemetery

Awe and reflection at the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc

Since I was young, I’ve had a major interest in history, especially surrounding World War II. When I heard about our plans to travel to Normandy during my study abroad program, I was excited to see a part of history that changed the future of our world forever. I knew visiting something of this magnitude was possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The drive to Normandy was quite beautiful, very green with rolling hills and lots of farmland, especially after Caen. I couldn’t help but think about the paratroopers that landed deep behind enemy lines in this area in order to secure strategic strongholds, and how much courage these people had. Retracing the Western Front lines on the way to the Normandy beaches was an experience I will cherish for a lifetime. 

Arriving at Pointe du Hoc is hard to put into words. I’ve always heard of the high cliffs that faced our soldiers, but the enormity of these cliffs seemed almost impossible to scale. It really put into perspective the bravery of these men and how they overcame the Axis defenses despite the clear disadvantage.

Hearing the story of Rudder, his Rangers and the incredible story of how they captured Pointe du Hoc despite many setbacks and low odds is awe inspiring in itself. But being able to stand in the exact spot where it all took place was an experience I am beyond grateful to have had. It allowed me to understand how blessed we truly are today, and to always honor those that sacrificed so much before us. 

Overlooking cliffs and ocean at Pointe du Hoc on the coast of Normandy
Entrance of Normandy American Cemetery

Once we arrived at the American National Cemetery along Omaha Beach, the sad reality of the number lost can be seen immediately as there are fields of white crosses spanning into the distance.

Two things within the cemetery had a significant impact on me as I walked through the vast rows of crosses. One was the number of crosses that read “Known But to God.” So many people gave their lives for our freedom, only not to be identifiable. I couldn’t help but think of these people’s families at home and what they must have endured. The second experience was the small Texas A&M flags at the base of some crosses.

 Most of the men that were buried within the cemetery were my age, and were attending Texas A&M University as I am now. These men left college to enlist and fight for the freedom of our country and others, something I couldn’t be more thankful for. It was an eye opening and emotional experience that brought the reality that most of these men were not much different than I, yet they gave their all for freedom.

Something that is priceless to me and other Americans is that our soldiers are buried on American soil.

Our military prides itself with the motto “No man left behind.” From the generosity of the French people, this motto was fulfilled because the land the cemetery sits on is a gift from France to the U.S., meaning it is now U.S. soil in France.

I am grateful to France for such an amazing experience which allowed us all to honor our veterans and gain more knowledge and perspective on this part of history. I’ll forever be thankful for the opportunity to represent Texas A&M at the Normandy American Cemetery and honor all those that came before us. 

Jed Leppard smiling at camera with thumbs up

Guest Author: Jed Leppard

senior, civil engineering

If you found this blog post interesting, you may consider reading “Why You Can Afford to Go Abroad” and “A Spring Break That I’ll Always Remember“

Topics: Study Abroad experience

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