The immersive Airborne Museum is located not far from the historic church near the village square.
This may be the best photograph of the trip
For months, we have dreamed of visiting Sainte-Mère-Eglise, the village most sacred to the legend of the fighting paratrooper. On June 5, in preparation for the D-Day beach landings, paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st divisions landed here, often far from their intended drop zones. A week ahead of the 80th anniversary celebrations, many current and former Airborne troops are gathering here to honor them. Vintage Jeeps and Army motorcycles are scattered around the square.
A reminder of the dangers of war, as well as the moments of mercy
If you know this village, it may well be through the touching story of Private John Steele of the 82nd Airborne. As he drifted toward the village square that fateful night, his parachute caught on the church steeple. There he hung for hours, playing dead, while two armed German soldiers watched from the windows. Realizing the American was alive, they took him prisoner, rather than kill him in that sacred place. Steele soon escaped and survived the war.
Rugged wooden doors and simple stone floors worn from countless steps contrast with the elegance of the pulpit and altar. Here, I lit a candle for the brave men of June 5.Stained glass window created for the 25th anniversary of D-Day. Note the parachute above.
The Airborne Museum in Sainte-Mère-Eglise follows the Airborne divisions of World War II from their creation through D-Day and beyond. Original war footage, full-scale dioramas, and an amazing collection of original uniforms and equipment, often tied to stories of the soldiers who wore and used them.
The C-47 aircraft dropped paratroopers and also towed the gliders that were part of the invasion. Visitors can walk through the simulated interior of a C-47, just inches away from troops on their way to the drop zones. Against the countryside below are planes and anti-aircraft fire.The only original Waco glider remaining in France. A total of 512 gliders carried Jeeps, ammunition, side arms, food, and extra troops into Normandy on D-Day and the day after.Just before D-Day, Ralph Busson, Bill Farmer, and Dan Furlong tore this dollar bill into three pieces. Each carrying one into Normandy, they vowed to meet at the end of the war to reunite them. Although Bill was killed, his fellow soldiers met, putting a photo in place of Bill’s piece.The Stop Bar is one of those most visited by military personnel in the area. Its walls are adorned with thousands of pieces of military and first responder memorabilia. The photo visible above my shoulder shows recently retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Milley, with his soldiers and the gift of his challenge coin to the bar.A solemn ending to the day with a walk on nearby Utah Beach.
Laurie Apgar Chandler 