Omaha Beach Whispers
Omaha Beach Whispers surrounded me on Tuesday November 4, 2025. My black sneakers sunk in the damp brown sand on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France one week ago today. Wind shushed through my hair and blew past my ears. My breath hummed along.
Kim’s feet on the sands of Omaha Beach
The empty Bay of Seine in the English Channel was peaceful. Its gentle waves tiptoed to the coastline and then retreated. Back and forth the tide flowed. The undulations seemed so benign. So unremarkable.
Omaha Beach sign
The low hanging sun broke through streaks of clouds that smeared the sky. Its autumn beams reflected off of Les Braves Memorial, located directly on the sand of Omaha Beach. The three elements of the stainless steel sculpture, unveiled in 2004 for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, are The Wings of Hope, Rise Freedom! and The Wings of Fraternity. The statue commemorates the Allied forces of D-Day.
Les Braves Memorial
They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. (President Franklin D. Roosevelt)
For me, my Omaha Beach Whispers represent an emotional history. I did not see the determined faces of brave allied troops charging forward in the largest seaborne invasion in history. I did not hear the cries of the of the US 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions as they waded through the waves in the wee hours of the morning on June 6, 1944. I did not feel the reverberations of their firepower as they struggled to make it to the shoreline during Operation Overlord.
Omaha Beach low tide November 4, 2025
On that day, the first surge of amphibious tanks sunk from their own weight with hundreds of soldiers inside. The tank boys did not have a chance. Wave after wave of patriotic men followed. By days end on June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops had landed in France. These brave souls were determined to loosen Hitler’s firm grip on Western Europe. They paved the way for the liberation of Paris less than three months later.
Up behind me, a few modern homes dot the cliffs where previously German soldiers positioned themselves. Armed with automatic artillery weapons, the Nazis were ready to mow down their enemy on the Normandy coastline below. Now, children’s swing sets innocently stand in the back yards. A new generation had landed.
modern day cliffs overlooking Omaha Beach
Just over the cliffs, on level ground near Colleville-sur-Mer, is the American Cemetery where 9,386 souls rest for eternity. Rows and rows of white stone crosses line up perfectly on manicured green grass. The average age of the fallen soldiers is 24. A father and son lay side by side for eternity. A few women also rest in peace among the men.
American Cemetery at Omaha Beach
As I walked along the white markers, I strained to listen for my Omaha Beach Whispers. What did the soldiers want to tell me? What would I say in return? A simple thank you for your service did not seem adequate.
Today is Veterans Day. My late father-in-law was an Army veteran and a member of the greatest generation. He served in World War II, specifically in the Battle of the Bulge. It was not until the last few years of his life did I learn of his valor in that infamous battle. My father-in-law shared few details and did not ask for glory.
I wrote a story about his war experience in the 2014 Military Writers Society of America Anthology titled All Gave Some https://kimmeredith.wpengine.com/silent-service/
Just like the soldiers at Normandy on D-Day, David S. Kluxen Sr. served without question. Fortunately, he made it home to his bride, Norma, and started a family. Dave is among the thousands of soldiers from World War II service that will be remembered on this and every Veteran’s Day.
Cpl. David S. Kluxen, Sr. 259th Field Artillery Battalion Overseas
I wonder what the veteran’s whispers are to one another as they look down from above on a changed world? What are they feeling?
The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. (Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
Omaha Beach sand and shells
Thank you to David S. Kluxen Sr. and to all current veterans and to those who have passed on before them for keeping me safe. I have been fortunate not to have endured the hardship of war. Thanks to all of these veterans I have enjoyed a life in peace.
Kim
