This was a really surreal experience, and not really sure how it made me feel. A bit proud and patriotic, and somber and sad all at the same time.
The whole story behind it is pretty amazing. The first temporary cemetery was established on June 8, 1944 just two days after the invasion took place. After the war, France granted the US a special perpetual concession to the land free of charge and tax. Of the 31,744 Americans that were originally buried throughout France more than 2/3rds were brought home to the States to be put to rest. The remaining were moved here when the memorial was created. In total 9,387 Americans, including over 300 unknown soldiers are buried here
As you stand in the middle and every direction you look is white crosses and stars as far as the eye can see the gravity of the situation hits you. It was really hard not to be taken aback by it.
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