June 6 – Flat Stanley Brayden’s Adventure Blog: Honoring Heroes on D-Day in Normandy

Hello, explorers. Today was a day I’ll remember forever. It’s June 6—the 81st anniversary of D-Day, when thousands of brave soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy during World War II. Our journey took us to the very places where history was made, and I learned why remembering is so important.

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Morning: Bus Ride to Pointe du Hoc

After breakfast, we boarded a bus from our ship and traveled through the peaceful Normandy countryside. Our first stop was Pointe du Hoc, a tall cliff overlooking the sea. Our guide explained that on D-Day, American Army Rangers bravely climbed these steep cliffs under enemy fire to help start the liberation of France. We walked among the huge craters left by bombs and saw the remains of bunkers. Standing there, I imagined the courage it took to climb those rocks for freedom.

Towns honoring heroes and WWII equipment

As we drove through the local villages, there were US Flags, banners of fallen soldiers and signs showing how the same streets looked in 1944. Our guide stated that these items are up all year round and show how much these villages are still thankful for the sacrifices 81 years ago.  There were also plenty of WWII equipment on display. 

Lunch at Omaha Beach Country Club

Next, we drove to the Omaha Beach Country Club for lunch. From the windows, we could see the fields and the coastline where so many soldiers landed. I thought about how different it looks today—peaceful and green, but once full of bravery and struggle.

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Afternoon: Ceremony at the American Cemetery

In the afternoon, we visited the Normandy American Cemetery. The cemetery is on a bluff above Omaha Beach and has thousands of white crosses and Stars of David, each marking a soldier’s grave. We gathered for a special ceremony. The group stood quietly as the U.S. national anthem played, and a tribute was read to honor the soldiers’ sacrifice. Then, the haunting sound of Taps echoed over the graves. It was a moment of deep respect and gratitude.

Theodore Roosevelt Jr, Medal of Honor recipient

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Walking Omaha Beach

After the ceremony, we walked down to Omaha Beach itself. The sand was soft under my shoes, and the waves rolled in gently. I tried to picture what it was like on D-Day: the noise, the fear, and the incredible bravery of the young men who landed there. Today, the beach is peaceful, but it’s a place where the world changed forever.

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Back to the Ship

As the day ended, we rode the bus back to our ship. I felt thankful for the chance to learn these stories and to honor the heroes who fought for freedom. In the evening, we had a historical talk about not just the events but how in impacted so many.

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Why We Remember

Visiting these places on the anniversary of D-Day helped me understand that history isn’t just about dates or facts—it’s about real people, courage, and the importance of peace. I hope we always remember what happened here and why it matters.

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Cartoon Fun: Flat Stanley Brayden’s D-Day Tribute

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Question for You

If you could visit a place where heroes are remembered, what would you want to learn or say to them?

A rose for each room

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That’s all for today, friends. Today was about learning, remembering, and saying thank you to those who made the world a safer place. I hope you’ll remember their story, too.

Au revoir from Normandy—see you on the next adventure!