On Saturday, 4/16, Tom Haines (AOPA) and I visited the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and walked along Omaha Beach where D-day, the battle of Normandy took place. For anyone who has ever thought about visiting Normandy, make it happen. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.
This is the Fifth Engineer Special Brigade monument at Omaha Beach. As a retired Army Officer and former Combat Engineer, this monument has special meaning. Engineers lead the way!
The 172-acre cemetery contains the graves of nearly 10,000 United States military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-day landings and ensuing operations.
“THEN IT ALL CAME DOWN TO THIS BRIEF DAY OF BATTLE ON THE COAST OF NORMANDY, AND FOR SO MANY OF THEM IT ENDED. FOR THE REST OF US, WHAT HAS BEEN SINCE HAS NOT BEEN THE SAME.” By CAPT Charles Cawthon, US Army, 29th Infantry Division. 
Keep up the good work and fly safe! I’m originally from Normandy, not sure what airport you flew into but Deauville is my home town. Has I been there I would have come and said hello and had you stay at our house.
Best of luck on the remainder of the trip!
Hi Adrian,
My name is MaryGaines Standish, and my claim to fame: I am Andy Reardon’s sister. I am very interested in following your flight…just amazing…and he sent me your website. I have often flown Jet Blue’s route between Logan and Ft. Myers on visits to Andy and Michele and haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you, but just want you to know I wish you all the best. I’m looking forward to following the rest of your flight.
God speed.
MaryGaines
AL: I am now connected with your adventure. Thanks for directing my way. As former soldiers doesn’t Normandy just give you goose bumps. All the sacrifices for our freedoms.
Those engineers did lead the way. Enjoy a beer in Germany for me. All the best. Bill Z
I love the photo of your Bonanza flying over the cemetery. I confirms that those who died, did not die for naught.
I am now using that photo as my computer background image.
Tom
N191AA