Utah Beach in Normandy, the place where the battle began and where thousands of soldiers risked their lives to liberate the coast of Europe. The gentle sound of the waves on the shore seems in stark contrast to the gruesome history these beaches carry. On 6 June 1944, D-Day, US troops landed here as part of the Allied invasion that marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.
The photo captures a calm but charged atmosphere at Utah Beach, a place that was once the scene of intense fighting. The tranquillity of today's landscape harbours the memory of the chaos of that day, when the beaches were packed with soldiers and battles played out under the blazing sun. Utah Beach was the Allies' western landing site, where thousands of US soldiers had to fight their way through the German defence lines, often with heavy losses. Yet they eventually achieved their goal, and the invasion of France thus gained momentum.
Today, the wide, expansive sandy beaches are peaceful and quieter, but the memories remain vivid in the air and in the land surrounding the coast. The photo shows Utah Beach as it is today: a tribute to the bravery of the soldiers who fought here, with the ocean rolling incessantly, just as time continues to move forward.
I am Kim Stijger, a passionate photographer from Nieuwegein, with a strong focus on sports and motorsport photography. My love for capturing movement and action comes out best in the dynamic world of sports, where I know how to capture the tension and emotion of the moment... Read more…