Sands of Remembrance

The Sands of Remembrance Memorial was a historically accurate 30’ x 30’ life size sand sculpture crafted in Vierville-sur-Mer on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The effort was initiated in 2004 by Carmella depicting soldiers landing in Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of this historic event. This tribute marked the first time in history that such an endeavor had ever been undertaken.

The construction of the Sands of Remembrance was completed by a team of award-winning sand sculptors from the Allied Nations – Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States – a group which was organized and led by sculptors John Gowdy (U.S.) and Dale Murdock (Canada). The sculpture was built from 50 tons of sand extracted from the five landing beaches – Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword, and Utah – to create this momentous structure.

Due to the changing time of the tides, the memorial endeavor was originally considered practically impossible. However, Carmella simply stated, “Then we will just ask God to change the tide.”

The Sands of Remembrance successfully transformed the hallowed ground of these beaches as homage to the thousands of brave men who shed their blood for freedom 60 years ago. It was created to serve as a uniquely symbolic and tangible reminder of the fallen soldiers of that day which deeply touched the thousands from around the world who came to see its majesty. One eight-year-old French child described the sculpture in one word: “Magnifique.”

D-Day Prayer – FDR

An excerpt from the FDR D-Day Prayer

In this poignant hour, I ask you to join me in prayer:
Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.
With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace – a peace that will let all men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.
Thy will be done, Almighty God.
AMEN