On our trip to Normandy, we got immersed in history. The most impactful moment of the trip for me was at Arromanches-Les-Bains. There we watched a short 360 film about D-day.
When we entered the theater, we were surrounded by eight large screens. We were then transported to the war; surrounded by images of soldiers and the blasting of guns and bombs.
The film showed how the United States and its allies worked together to drive the Nazis out of France at the battle of Normandy. It was very hard to see what soldiers in the war had to endure. At the time, soldiers had poor gear/uniforms to protect them from the elements and the enemy’s efforts. At one point during the film, there was a soldier getting his ear sowed back on! Soldiers during the war were put into very difficult situations and witnessed tragic events and many of those who were in the war were forced to join the cause.
I realized that it is easy to take for granted the life of freedom we live in the United States. It’s easy to think that there is no other way of life than the peaceful, domestic life we live every day. During WWII, thousands of civilians were victims of the war; bombs were falling on towns with women and children. I can’t imagine living during such a time.
I now have more respect than ever before for war veterans and the causes they fought for. When people join together to fight for a just cause, anything is possible.