Thirteenth Normandy Staff Ride

Over Spring Break, the Department of History conducted its thirteenth staff ride to Normandy since the year 2000. This year's trip carried on a few new traditions to make it more personal. A mock storming of Omaha Beach at Vierville was done to give the cadets an authentic experience while in Normandy. Cadets wore their army combat uniforms, waded chest deep into the surf at low tide, and covered the 300-meters to the seawall. Furthermore, the experience was combined with oral histories from French citizens that experienced the invasion first hand. This year's trip consisted of six days on the battlefield, followed by two days in Paris where they visited the French Second Armored Division. The bonds that were formed on this trip are a testament to the Long Gray Line, and the passion that exists for history here at West Point.