It was amazing to visit the beach that we feel like we know so well. It is one small town east of Courcelles sur Mer and together they made up code name Juno Beach, Canada's part of Operation Overlord.
The famous house in Grampa's picture still stands right where it was. It is now known as the Queens Own house and there are Canada flags and Queen's Own Rifle regimental flags hanging from the balcony. Outside, along the wall are at least 2 or 3 other of Grampa's photos. As we arrived the owners of the house were just pulling out to leave.
Had I been smarter and quicker I would have gone up and introduced myself to them. They are apparently very fond of Canadians and every year hold a June 6th ceremony at their home attended by Canadians and members of the Queen's Own who come over. They say that this was the first French house liberated on June 6th by the Allies. Pretty amazing. Otherwise the beach is a peaceful place, with sunbathing huts along a sort of boardwalk - how people can actually play on the beach is hard for us to fathom. Not only is the weather so miserable (and it seems to change by the minute) but there is way too much history on that beach for us to imagine being able to relax and play on it.
The internet connection tonight is very sketchy so I can't post pictures but you can be sure I have tons!
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