Yes, standing on holy ground is what it felt like last week when my grandson and I visited a number of the First and Second World War memorial sites in France. I wasn’t prepared for that impact. When I’m out in nature I often feel a spiritual connection with the land as if I’m connecting with its story back in time to its creation. This has been especially so in the Gatineau Park these last few years capturing its beauty in photos. However, in visiting France I thought I was going on a historical fact finding journey so wasn’t prepared for being so emotionally touched by the spiritual energy of these sites.
The ever present rain and fog created intimate experiences as we visited Juno, Dieppe, and Puys Beaches. It was as if my heart was burst open connecting with all that had occurred back in August 1942 and the futility of the Allied military goals. Such impenetrable cliffs and such narrow beaches with no protection for these brave young men. So many men killed and so few survivors.
I had a similar experience at Beaumont-Hamel as we gazed out on the British and German trenches and the no-man’s land in between. The Newfoundland regiment lost over 90% of its men on July 1st 1916, the first day of the battle of the Somme, a loss still felt by the people of Newfoundland.
Sitting in church on Sunday hearing the quote below read it felt as if it provided a tiny glimpse into the enormity of it all.
“One human life is deeper than the ocean. Strange fishes and sea monsters and mighty plants live in the rock-bed of our spirits. The whole of human history is an undiscovered continent deep in our souls”
If one human life is deeper than the ocean what would it be for all those lost at that time.
Puys Beach:
Canadian Cemetery at Dieppe:
Juno Beach:
Trenches and shell holes at Vimy:
Beaumont-Hamel No Man’s Land:
