Senator Boxer Visits the Normandy American Cemetery

September 14, 2007

As Chairman of the Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works, I recently visited Iceland, France and England for discussions about global warming, alternative energy and to learn more about their use of geothermal energy.  During my visit to France, I had the opportunity to spend some time at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. 

The Normandy American Cemetery is located on a cliff above Omaha Beach and the English Channel.  Omaha Beach was the codename for one of the main landing points of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France on June 6, 1944, during World War II.  The Cemetery covers 172 acres and contains the remains of 9,387 American military dead.  Most were killed during the invasion of Normandy and the following military operations.  It is one of the most inspiring places I have ever visited.

As part of my visit, I had the chance to stop at the grave of Lt. Roy Eisele, a Californian killed when his B-17 took enemy fire, burst into flames, and crashed near Cambrai, France, on June 12, 1944.  Only one person in his crew survived and was taken prisoner following the crash.  The others are buried at the Normandy American Cemetery.

I also laid a wreath at the Memorial entitled, “The Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.”  The Memorial is inscribed with the names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in conflict but could not be located or identified. 

If you would like to see photos from my visit to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, I encourage you to use this link and scroll to the photos of my visit.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

Back to top