I went to Normandy in 2002, also in July. Walking on Omaha Beach was a very solemn moment. It was very peaceful, children on the beach playing in the sand. Although nature was reclaiming the damage from the battle, craters were still visible on the hillsides. The cemetery is well worth the visit, located above Omaha beach. My friend and I had brought a bunch of small Texas flags and found as many Texas hero’s as we could and planted the flags next to their markers.
I could have spent all day at the American Cemetary there, just reading the tombstones.
Also noted when traveling through small towns in France that the store front windows were sporting both the French and American flags. Many there have not forgotten!