Q&A with Leah:
You spent three days in New Orleans before departing for Paris, Normandy, and Caen. What did you enjoy most about each city? My favorite part of New Orleans was the National WWII Museum. It’s perhaps the best museum I have ever been to, mainly because it covers the entire surface of WWII, from going in-depth on the war’s origins to its effects in today’s world. It was at the museum where I met WWII veteran Thomas Blakey, who shared with us his experience as a D-Day paratrooper. You wouldn’t know it by looking at him, but he was a very funny guy, too! Lastly, the museum allowed me to hold actual weapons used during the war (wearing gloves, of course) and climb into a life-size Sherman tank that is only for display!
In Normandy, I very much enjoyed the rural surroundings as opposed to the bustling city where I grew up. Our hotel was actually in the lower region of Normandy called Bayeux, and for a small town, it is unbelievably quiet at night. I loved it! In Caen, it was the first time I ever saw a castle, (and small castles, too) and it was amazing. All made of stone and very medieval looking.
Describe one of your favorite day excursions. Tough question to answer but, my favorite day excursion was to Omaha Beach. I’ve read and watched movies about Omaha Beach during D-Day but to actually visit it was truly amazing. I knew beforehand that Omaha Beach was the bloodiest for soldiers landing ashore during the first hours of D-day. German armies set up beach obstacles that would slow down or destroy U-Boats during high tide. However, during low-tide, soldiers would have to run about 500 yards of beach to reach the terrain, facing heavy exposure to being shot down. Looking at the beach during low tide, it was difficult to imagine soldiers running across, hoping to live and continue to fight for their country, because today, the beach is so vastly different. Parents and children were walking along the shore, playing and laughing, students from elementary taking a field trip, and then my group, enjoying the afternoon sunshine. It was at this beach that I learned a very important lesson about D-Day: yes, many soldiers died, but they risked their lives in hopes of creating a better future for other generations.
How did your POLAHS History classes prepare you for this trip? In Mr. Mora’s class, I learned about the causes of WWII, which began in Europe, and how Germany grew to power and almost dominated the continent. In Mr. Yourman’s class, I learned how America was pulled into the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor and its lasting effects after the war. Both classes prepared me for the Normandy Academy’s course project – a focused study on leadership. Everyone on the trip participated in debates that related to the problems the Allies’ leaders faced when planning the D-Day invasion. Every debate took place at different locations. I’ll receive college credit for my work on this trip which is a big accomplishment.
What are your plans for the future? This trip was a very impactful experience, especially considering its theme of leadership. In the future, I want to lead a non-profit organization. That may include including serving the ill, the youth, or the less-fortunate. Also, with POLAHS’ support, I will be the first person in my family to attend a four-year college after I graduate.
Thanks, Leah. Congratulations on being selected for The Normandy Academy. You are an outstanding student with a gift for writing. We are proud of your patriotism and strong work ethic!
