Europe 2017--Normandy, France Part 2

Brittany American Cemetery and Memorial:  

There are 4,408 soldiers buried here in the Brittany Cemetery (97 Unknown Soldiers).  Such beautiful/hallowed grounds to walk.  It was quite the site to see.  We were able to watch a beautiful ceremony planned by Chris's company (Historical Programs).  

There are 2 men buried here who received the highest honor in the US Military--Medal of Honor.  Ernest W. Prussman was noted for maneuvering his squad to assault the enemy fortifications.  He hurdled a hedgerow, disarmed 2 riflemen.  After leading his squad across an open field to the next hedgerow, they captured another crew.  He was mortally wounded by an enemy rifleman  but as he fell to the ground he threw a hand grenade, killing his opponent.  He died Sept. 8, 1944.

Sherwood H. Hallman was noted for ordering his squad to cover his movements as he alone advanced to a point which he could make an assault.  Without hesitating, he leaped over a hedgerow into a sunken road.  Unassisted, he fired his machine gun and hurled grenades killing 4 of the enemies and then commanded the remainder to surrender which they did.  His actions allowed the immediate advance of his entire battalion of over 2,000 yards.  

Breath-taking views nearby the cemetery

I really didn't know who "One Voice Children's Choir" was before this trip.  But after watching them perform several times in different venues in France, I am a HUGE fan.  I wish there was something like them here in AZ--Tatum would LOVE it!!!  There was this one little girl that I just loved watching perform.  She was so passionate and I just had to snag a little video of her enthusiasm at this concert here in Brittany.  She is the little girl on the far left:

Mont-Saint-Michel:

I had never been to this amazing place.  It has been around since the 8th Century and has served as both a fortress, prison, and an abbey.  At times of the day, when the tide comes in, it's actually an island.  According to legend, the archangel Michael appeared in 708 AD to the bishop of Avranches and instructed him to build a church on this rocky islet.  It was quite the walk to get there--there were trolleys to take you there but we took the beautiful walk there (and then rode the trolley back:)

There is actually a little town on this island that has a population of 44.  There were tons of people here the day we came--kinda like Disneyland:)

We took the Abbey tour--something not even Chris had done before:)

We joked about the Angel Moroni being on top
but it was really the archangel Michael.

Honfleur, Lower Normandy:

Chris wanted us to see Honfleur--his personal favorite little french town.  It was quite picturesque.  We spent a wonderful afternoon walking this town and enjoying the french cuisine.  Pictured first is the Saint Catherine's Church. 

Honfleur is especially known for its old, beautiful picturesque port:

Beautiful little town with amazing food.  This was our last countryside stop.  We were then off for the bustling city of Paris:)