COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — I had never been to France before the Olympics, and before I left the U.S., everyone I know told me I had to do some sightseeing. Climb the Eiffel Tower. See the Louvre.

I recently returned from touring Normandy, France for the first time — another bucket list item bites the dust — and it was every bit the moving and emotional experience I expected. Strolling through ...

You are not alone on the landing beaches of Normandy. There, the weight of history presses upon you, joined by the haunting presence of the brave Allied soldiers.