Michael Canzian

If you are a fan of WWII history, movies, and books, you will want to prioritize a visit to New Orleans and the National WWII Museum.  The environment is spectacular and comprehensive, and you will find yourself lost in the content.  One thing you will immediately become aware of during your visit is the vast number of opportunities the museum offers to travel abroad and visit the sites and scenes that pertain to WWII events. 

My step dad and I decided to make the trip that retraced the movie “Band of Brothers,” a true story based on the men of the 506^th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Battalion’s Easy Company, which was based on the book by Stephen Ambrose of the same title.  Before the tour began, we decided to visit Toccoa, Georgia, which is where basic training occurred for Easy Company.  The museum there was also fascinating, detailing the history of the Airborne and the first Parachute Infantry. 

Our tour began in the United Kingdom.  After touring the Winston Churchill’s underground War Room command center and later Buckingham Palace and other key landmarks, we made our way to the charming village of Aldbourne, England where Easy Company first prepared for D-Day.  We then traveled to Portsmouth and took the ferry across the channel to Normandy and other key battle areas in France depicted in the movie.  Suffice it to say that standing on hallowed ground in Normandy with Omaha and Utah beaches in the near distance is an emotional experience.  Along the way we were introduced to charming villages such as Bayeux and excellent food and drink. 

We then moved through Belgium and the Netherlands, and were fortunate to experience a WWII reenactment day in the surrounding towns of Eindhoven.  Visiting cemeteries and landmarks in the Netherlands and Luxembourg are all impactful and makes the war a reality.    So many people lost their lives in an effort to promote freedom throughout the world and we should all be forever thankful for their sacrifices. 

Our trip then made its way into Germany.  While there, we visited the Dachau concentration camp, and again one feels a sense of gravity for the horrors that transpired there.  Many of the tour guests found themselves unexpectedly overwhelmed, and for some tears began to fall. So many innocent people lost their lives to racism and unfettered brutality and violence.  We should all have the chance to visit to remember what transpired to ensure it never happens again.

The pinnacle of the trip ended in Berchtesgaden, the Nazi strong hold.  We made our way up the elevator to Hitler’s Eagles Nest.  It was a clear, beautiful day, and it is hard to imagine such beauty could surround the sinister planning that occurred here just 80 years ago.   

For anyone who has an interest in WWII history, this trip will not disappoint.  Excellent tour guides, a highly organized agenda, excellent accommodations, great food, and amazing new friendships are sure to come your way.  Bon voyage ! – Michael Canzian