River Baroness Cruise Photos

From: Uniworld River Baroness cruise review

Day 3: D-Day Sites (4)

Reflecting pool at American Cemetery in Normandy

Memorial at Normandy American Cemetery

The final stop of our tour was the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach.

The top photo shows the cemetery's reflecting pool; the second picture is of the Memorial, which faces the 10 grave plots.

American Cemetery in Normandy

Star of David tombstone in Normandy American Cemetery

The cemetery was established only two days after the invasion. It has 9,387 graves.

During our visit, each River Baroness passenger was given a flower and a "Fiche de fleurissement" document with the name and home state of an American soldier, the date of his death, and the location of his grave.

Uniworld is a member of the Association Les Fleurs de la Mémoire ("Flowers of Remembrance"), the organization that provides the flowers.

Placing a flower on a grave at Normandy American Cemetery

Grave of Pvt. John C. De Vita at Normandy American Cemetery

In the first photo above, Cheryl is placing a flower on the grave of Private John C. De Vita of New York, a soldier of the 12th Infantry - 4th Division who died on July 15, 1944.

Path from Normandy American Cemetery to Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach from Normandy American Cemetery

Just beyond the graves and an overlook, a path led down to Omaha Beach.

Schapendoes at Normandy American Cemetery

Schapendoes - Dutch Sheepdog

We were on a tight tour schedule, so we headed for the Visitor Center, where we encountered a Dutch lady with her Schapendoes (a Dutch sheepdog), who were waiting outside while the woman's husband looked at the exhibits. Except for its coloring, the dog reminded us of Maggie, our Bearded Collie.

Security line at Visitor Center in Normandy American Cemetery

The lady may have been disappointed that dogs weren't allowed inside the Visitor Center, but at least she and her Schapendoes were spared from having to stand in the slow-moving security line.

Soon, it was time to leave the Normandy American Cemetery for the long drive back to Rouen.

River Baroness in Rouen at low tide

The tide was out again by the time we returned to River Baroness later in the afternoon. In the lower photo, you can see that the head of Sebastien Wendling, the ship's hotel manager, is barely level with the quay.

Jogger in Rouen, France