Normandy: Sacrifice for FreedomThe program, Normandy: Sacrifice for Freedom, is designed to help the youth of this country understand the momentous sacrifice which occurred on June 6th, 1944. The founder, Mr. Albert H. Small, believes that every person should go to the beaches of Normandy in order to understand the bloodshed which occurred on those beachheads nearly three quarters of a century ago. Only fifteen students-teacher teams from across the nation are chosen for this incredible opportunity. Ms. Andersen and I were one of the 15, the 45th to be enlightened. I am honored to have been chosen. The institute officially started in January 2013, as the 15 teams were given the task to read several WWII books and participate with each other on a weekly online book discussion, among other things. The highlight of the institute was the "hands-on" component when, for two weeks in June, all the students and their teachers gathered in Washington, D.C. From there our adventures would take us to Normandy, France where we toured historical WWII battle sites, museums and memorials. Everything about this program was amazing, not only did I gain a greater appreciation for every soldier who gave their life for our freedom, but I gained fourteen new friends. This was the trip of a lifetime, if I were not depriving another of such an experience, I would surely go again, if given the opportunity. Even though the institute has officially come to an end, the lessons that I have learned will be with me forever.
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My Experience with RoyOne of the tasks that the Normandy Scholars were to perform was to research a fallen soldier buried in the American Cemetery in Normandy. After months of researching our soldier, each of us delivered a eulogy at the graveside in their honor. I chose 1Lt Roy Eisele of the 303rd Bomb Group as my fallen soldier, for I too, foresee a future in the Air Force. It was hard to find any information about Roy at first, though slowly information began to reveal itself. I found that his real name was Leroy, not Roy, and more information about his family started to turn up after that. Once I had compiled as much information as I could, I started to write his eulogy. This was an exceptionally hard task, since I had never met Roy in person. I wrote a first draft and then another and then another. Finally, on the plane to France, I came up with the perfect eulogy for Roy. When I got to his grave, nothing seemed real. The rubbing of the sand, the engraved name, the beautiful cemetery. Nothing was in focus. Even when I gave his eulogy, nothing was clear. It was only when I had time alone at his grave site, did I realize that I was at the grave of the man I so respected. I was at the grave of my soldier. I was at the grave of my fallen hero.
This website is an everlasting tribute to him. |