Independence Day

A brief American diversion for me, as I take a break from France to acknowledge America's Independence Day, doing the things so many of us do on the holiday.

For me it will probably include watching the Boat Parade on Otsego Lake, meeting up with Rick halfway through his 100-mile bike ride in the tiny town of Central Lake, where we'll have a picnic and enjoy the town parade (which always reminds me of Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon), and fireworks at the lake. No doubt grilling will be involved somewhere along the way!

We'll return to France in the next post, but I thought to illustrate Independence Day, I'd share this flag from the Omaha Beach Museum in Normandy.

It reminds us all of what our soldiers did to help preserve independence for Europe in World War II with this image from the American Cemetery at Omaha Beach. (And continue to do today, elsewhere.)

The flags at the cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach where so many died 65 years ago, dot the pristine crosses and Stars of David that seem to stretch on into infinity. It's sobering, striking, beautiful. And so very peaceful.

(And, I was reminded that the French did play a significant role in America's independence, as well. Maybe it was "paybacks" some 200 years later.

I'll share more about my reflections from Normandy in a few days, but leave you to celebrate Independence Day with a nod to all who help others win independence and freedom, everywhere.