Reuters photographer Chris Helgren has taken 1944 invasion pictures and then went back to the same places to photograph them as they appear today.

http://www.reuters.com/interactives/dday-then-and-now

Another great link:
http://www.theguardian.com/artanddes...ow-interactive

And yet another link with even more pictures.
http://www.6juin1944.com/album/thennow/index.php

While living in France from 1996 to 2000, I had the opportunity to visit the invasiion site and American cemetary six or seven times. It was always an emotional experience.

On low tide, you could still see the remains of some of the landing structures in the far out sands. We had our whippet dog with us and let her run freely on the beach. There was something there that caused her to really "put it in high gear" and the French on the beach applauded her.

As an American, we always felt welcomed as tourist visitors to the town.

We once visited the German cemetery in Normandy, not far from ours. What a different and dark experience versus the sad but uplifting experience of ours.

Thank you for this wonderful post/thread. Only the first 2 Reuters shots appeared on my screen, but the Guardian photos posted with no problem.

I am a fan of the then/now concept in photography. It seems to have improved since I first saw it in the early 80s. The Guardian photos are an exact match; the 80s-era shots always seemed to be a bit off in perspective. JMO, I'm not a camera guy.

One sad note: Perhaps it's due to the fact that Dad's brother was KIA in June 6, 1944 (not in Normandy), and that my family had a bad war (3 KIA), but there is NO way that I could sunbathe or picnic on those D-Day beaches today, some of which were literally carpeted with bodies.

But then, people always said I'm too sensitive...

I had the same problem with the Reuters site, but I just hit the reload arrow and all the pictures came in. Definitely give it a try.

Go to the following website and watch this movie. It is worth putting up with the annoying ads. Starting around 45 minutes into the film, watch how the veterans of D-Day are honored and revered by the EXTREMELY grateful citizens of Normandy. All children are taught about D-Day by their parents and their teachers.

D-Day: The Price Of Freedom | SnagFilms

If you are, I am too. That qualifies as hallowed ground.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I live near the National D Day Memorial in Bedford, VA I highly recommend it if you're in the area.

I've been to Normandy's Omaha Beach twice,in 1964 and again in 2004. Quite a change between visits but never fails to bring chills up you spine. Pictures don't do it justice if you were to stand at the top of that cliff and look down at the beach you stand in awe and amazement at how they ever manage to fight their way up the slope. It's a lot steeper than it shows.

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Dick

Took your advice on the Reuters link and a few more photos emerged. Very capricious. That last link 6juin44 was stunning; I'll be spending much more time on there. Promise to check out that film when I have more time. Many thanks.

Thank you Acco40 for posting. Soldiers and thier families of that era must have a bond that few of us will ever know. I don't think any generation except maybe the Civil War generation has ever know such sacrifice for a common cause. We should all be grateful to "The Greatest Generation".

I wouldn't have any problem with enjoying the beaches. I don't consider them the hallowed ground. The cemeteries are the hallowed ground. If you made places where men died in battle off limits, then all of Europe, and really most of the world would be hallowed.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

Hallowed ground because--some 4, 500 Allied Soldiers died taking that ground away from the Germans.
A few photos while I have a chance:


A photo of Sergeant Jake McNiece applying war paint:






















French in American uniforms:





British and Canadian Soldiers:


Damn Yankee:


More British and Canadian:

Some of the wounded:

Some of the dead--which makes these beaches--Hallowed Ground:

I nice site where you can view and even purchase lots of "Ghost" photos of WWII including Normandy, North Africa, France, Russia, Iwo Jima, etc....plus a link to the Facebook page. Pretty nice piece of work.

Ghosts of History - Showing the Past in the Present

A sample of some of the images:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/matthewtucke...-from-the-past

[QUOTE=NCTexan;137932404]While living in France from 1996 to 2000, I had the opportunity to visit the invasiion site and American cemetary six or seven times. It was always an emotional experience.

On low tide, you could still see the remains of some of the landing structures in the far out sands. We had our whippet dog with us and let her run freely on the beach. There was something there that caused her to really "put it in high gear" and the French on the beach applauded her...[QUOTE]

NCTexan, what was the dog running from, and why were the French applauding?

This one chokes me up a bit. We shall never see their like again.

I have a hard time imagining what could possibly be going though their minds.