Mother of Normandy

Madame Simone Renaud witnessed the liberation of France on June 6, 1944, from a very unique point, the small town of St. Mere-Eglise, the first town liberated in the Normandy invasion. It was there that Madame Renaud watched the tragedy and triumph unfold during the day that defined history. It was there that so many American soldiers found their final resting place. Madame Renaud spent a lifetime tending to the graves of those American soldiers and corresponding with their loved ones back home. She became friend, family, and touchstone to those whose lives were profoundly changed by D-Day.