Walking the beaches of Normandy, France, where the tide of World War II turned, is not something most Americans experience. What would it feel like to see the bridges once captured by daring gliders and paratroopers? Or feel the weight of history at the American and German cemeteries where the sacrifices of millions are forever etched?
Two MICDS students, Aiyla Ahmad ’26 and Cade-Michael Miller ’26, had the unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history as Pete Wilson ’51 Fellows for Normandy Academy. They immersed themselves in the events of D-Day, experiencing firsthand the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience that shaped the world we know today.
The National World War II Museum’s Normandy Academy is a 12-day educational journey that challenges students to learn from the choices made before and during the historic D-Day landings. Students visit New Orleans, Louisiana, and Normandy, France, to dive deeper into the experiences of the Allied forces throughout the Battle of Normandy. Through the generosity of St. Louis Country Day School alum Edward T. Baur ’64, these students were selected as the Pete Wilson ’51 Fellows for Normandy Academy. As such, they received full scholarships (including flights, tuition, meals, etc.) to participate in the Academy. Upon their return, the Fellows presented their reflections at an Upper School assembly.
Ahmad and Miller’s goal was to help students, especially those currently studying WWII, further contextualize the events of D-Day, understand the importance of the invasion in 1944, and why it still matters. History can seem daunting or unimportant with the passage of time, particularly for young people and their current life experiences. One can learn dates, events, and names, but in the end, as Miller shared in the presentation, « History is people. It’s the story of people’s triumphs and failures. You and I are living history right now. Studying and remembering history helps us become better people.”
At the presentation, Ahmad and Miller gave an overview of the reason for the invasion, the events leading up to the invasion, and the invasion itself before detailing specific reflections on what they learned at each juncture of the trip.
D-Day
D-Day was a meticulously planned but incredibly risky operation. The Allies spent years preparing and training on simulated beaches and developing new technologies like waterproof tanks. Despite their best efforts, the invasion was fraught with challenges. Paratroopers faced perilous night landings, and thousands of soldiers were casualties on the beaches.
Ahmad noted the complexities of the event. « Planes dropped Horsa gliders filled with supplies paratroopers would need behind enemy lines. These horsa gliders were lightweight and quiet, made of thin wood and paper, and lacking engines. They had to crash when they landed, and while they were pretty accurate, a lot could still go wrong. Paratroopers were tasked with landing in the middle of the night and securing key areas to cut off German troops from moving to the beach the following morning. »
Miller added, « Something I found interesting was before the paratroopers loaded their planes, General Dwight D. Eisenhower took the time to shake the hands of the men and saluted every plane that took off. To me, this was a great act of leadership and humility. »
Civilian Impact
The war extended far beyond the battlefield. Civilians suffered greatly under Nazi occupation, enduring bombings, rationing, and cultural suppression.
« One thing that I had never really considered was the true impact that D-Day had on civilians. It’s important to understand that the Nazis were not only occupying much of France, they were influencing school curriculum, the French diet, technology, news, etc. Many of the atrocities that I had associated with WWII were those of the Holocaust. While those were undoubtedly the most grave atrocities of the war, it’s important to understand the horrors faced by other civilians as well, » said Ahmad.
Legacy
The legacy of D-Day lives on in the countless stories of bravery and sacrifice. At the beginning of the Normandy trip, the participants were each given a soldier to research, and it was by their grave sites, reading their stories aloud, that they genuinely understood D-Day’s impact. Miller shared the inspiring tale of Charles Shay, a Native American combat medic who risked his own life to save others.
Miller said, « Charles Shay was a 19-year-old combat medic at Omaha Beach. While all the bloodshed was going on, Shay made it safely off the beach, only to go back and forth fifteen times to help save injured soldiers. Shay’s dedication to helping people and his persistence in saving the lives of others is truly admirable. »
Ahmad researched Dolores M. Brown, a member of the 6888th unit’s central postal directory battalion, a group of predominantly African American but also Latina women who had an important role in sorting through entire mail warehouses to deliver to allied soldiers. Only recently did these women receive recognition with congressional medals. Ahmad said, « The women of the 6888th faced both racism and sexism, yet they still fought for their nation, a testament to the amount of courage and loyalty they held. »
Miller noted a unique part of the battle: bagpipes. He said, « We saw a memorial to Bill Millin, who was not a soldier but a bagpiper. As the troops stormed the beach, attacking the enemy and dodging difficult obstacles, Millin played his bagpipes, helping to raise the English soldiers’ morale and confuse the Germans. Millin’s story is a testament to the power that music and art can hold, even in times of war. »
Memorials
The cemeteries in Normandy serve as powerful reminders of the human cost of war. La Cambre German Cemetery, in particular, with its narrow entrance symbolizing individual judgment, offered a poignant reflection on the complexities of the conflict. The Normandy American Cemetery, meticulously maintained by the French, honored the sacrifices of American soldiers.
Ahmad said, « Many French people are grateful for the Allied work towards a free France, and it shows. The French are very proud of their history and heritage, and this dedication to the preservation expands beyond their own cultural history. »
As history states, the Battle of Normandy was the shift of momentum needed by American troops to win the war. These brave troops fought courageously against German garrisons along the Atlantic Wall. The Germans suffered heavy losses in numbers as well as morale. Because of the invasion and subsequent campaigns, the Allies liberated millions of French citizens and reclaimed Paris, subsequently forcing a surrender.
Miller said, « Although it happened over 80 years ago, the legacy and stories of the brave men and women who fought for what is right is something the world will never forget. »