Author Mary Cronk Farrell

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Remembering D-Day

6/6/2013

3 Comments

 
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Gold Beach today. (Actually two weeks ago when I had the honor of walking on these sands). Gold Beach was the D-day code-name for where the British Forces landed on Normandy. 

After the initial invasion, the British constructed a temporary harbor on the coast at the town of Arromanches, so forces could more easily and quickly offload cargo to support the invading armies. Today you can see its remains, prefabricated sections taken across the English Channel from Britain and assembled here.

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Mulberry Harbor at Arromanches
PictureOmaha Beach where U.S. Forces landed on D-Day.
My husband's father landed here one month after D-day, July 6, 1944. It's difficult and painful to imagine this peaceful shore was the site of a fierce battle and much bloodshed.  


While visiting Normandy, we discovered D-day is the latest in a string of bloody battles fought here throughout history, including Henry I of England's invasion of Normandy in 1106. A century earlier the Duke of Normandy set off from here to win the Battle of Hastings and become the King of England, and eventually become known as William the Conqueror.

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U.S. Cemetary near Omaha Beach where Americans who died at Normandy are remembered.
If you are interested in World War II history, check back here. For five years, I've been working on a book about U.S. military women in the Pacific Theater of the war. I'll be sharing some stories very few people have heard.


My father-in-law was 19-years-old when he joined the battle in France. Do you have stories of relatives who fought in WWII? Please share them in the comments. Thank you.
3 Comments
Jan Myhre
6/6/2013 09:35:49 am

Wonderful photos, Mary. Dan's grampa was a stretcher bearer in WWI and his uncle a medic in WWII. I'll ask what he knows about his uncle and let you know.
My people came to Canada from Normandy. The Family name was Godfey and changed to deTonnecort. Wish I knew more about them. Maybe someday when I finish my memoir.

Reply
Mary
6/12/2013 04:40:28 am

Thanks for sharing, Jan. I would be interested in hearing more about Dan's grampa and uncle's experiences. I know they needed a lot of stretcher bearers. And that was a very dangerous job.

Reply
Josh Samrany link
9/6/2013 04:21:37 am

I enjoyed your posts about the d-day i really enjoyed it and keep doing what you do

Reply



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    I'm an award-winning author of Children's/YA books and former journalist with a passion for stories about people facing adversity with courage.

    My books have been named Notable Social Studies Book for Young People, SPUR Award for Best Juvenile Fiction about the American West, Bank Street College List of Best Children's Books, and NY Public Library Best Books for Teens. My journalistic work has received numerous awards for excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists and two Emmy nominations.
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