Walking in the footsteps of history.
The Friends of the National World War II Memorial recently hosted its first “Victory in Europe Tour,” which followed the route Allied troops took from Portsmouth, England, across the English Channel to Ouistreham, Normandy, and Paris, France during World War II.
The tour began in London on June 8, where participants spent a couple of days and learned about American troops in England during the war. From there, the group traveled to Portsmouth, where they crossed the English Channel and made their way to Normandy.
“For me, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, something I never believed would have ever occurred,” said participant Tom Borgia.
While in Normandy, New York Times Best Selling Author Alex Kershaw led the group on excursions to the invasion beaches of Utah and Omaha.
“Walking in the footsteps of these brave heroes was brought to life through Alex, and we will always cherish our memories,” said participant Kim Campbell, who made the trip with her husband, Don.
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The trip also included a special ceremony at the American cemetery above Omaha beach.
From Normandy, the group “liberated” Paris, where the tour concluded on June 14.
“It’s a wonderful, wonderful journey,” Kershaw said in a video about the trip. “I love doing it.”
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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