Our trip started with a nine hour drive on Thursday and then my vigil for Philip Germer on Friday. On Saturday, June 3rd, I stood vigil at the grave of Stanley Stockins and on Sunday, June 4th I stood vigil at the grave of George Radeka. In part two of my three part series you can see some photos from the weekend dedicated to Stanley and George. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog.
Richie

Day 3: Saturday, June 3rd. Honoring the memory of Stanley Stockins. Here, in the cemetery parking lot, is where Daddy and I always begin the final stage of our transformation from two guys on a trip, to Project Vigil.

The long walk to Stanley's resting place gives me time to focus on the mission I have ahead of me.

The reflecting pool and memorial. I was very lucky. It was a warm and sunny day in Normandy.

I love standing vigil at Stanley's grave, and I love telling his story. On that Saturday in June, I was extremely motivated, and ended up standing vigil for 6 hours.

Stanley is buried at the edge of a very busy path in the cemetery. This means I teach in French and English all day long. Some moments are very quiet, sometimes though, he the crowd can grow to 50 people or more.

Most of the visitors to the cemetery speak French. I am very fortunate to be fluent in French and can tell the biographies to the French people. They are always very appreciative of the sacrifices made by our soldiers.

It was an honor to meet the 37th Airlift Squadron Commander and his family and to get a chance to speak with them.

It was a very busy afternoon at the cemetery.

My proudest moments are when I can tell the biographies to our own soldiers. Here we remember the Stockins family and their sacrifice.

The looks on their faces tell the story. People are often moved by the biographies. Some people are even moved to tears. I always carry tissues with me for those occasions.

A long day. A short break in the hot sun.

Stanley's marker at the end of "his" day.

On our way out of the cemetery we stopped by to pay our respects to fighter pilot Lt. Billie Harris. If you have a moment, I would encourage you to click here to watch a heartwarming story about Billie and his wife Peggy.

If we aren't the last to leave the cemetery parking lot, we're usually one of the last... The end of a long and very satisfying day.

The next day (Sunday) I stood vigil at the grave of George Radeka. By the end of the day I felt that I wanted to dedicate for time to George, so Daddy and I decided that we would continue George's vigil on Monday, as well.

Monday, June 5th. Arriving at the cemetery Daddy and I were so happy to run into George Klein. We met George in 2015 at the Band of Brothers reunion and earlier this year we donated to the fund to bring him back to Normandy. On D-Day George took part in the famed attack on Pointe du Hoc. Take a good look: this is what a true American hero looks like.

Back in the cemetery to continue to honor the memory of George Radeka.

Day two of honoring the memory of George Radeka.

This is one of the reasons we do Project Vigil: for our troops. One of the most meaningful and emotional moments of our entire trip came when this Captain shook my hand and pressed a challenge coin into my palm. Looking me straight in the eyes he told me, "It's a great thing you're doing for us out here, Brother." These guys, these are our heroes.

I split the day between George Radeka and Philip Germer. Here I come in for a short break before moving my vigil to Phil's resting place.

Taking a break for a moment at the bench near George Radeka before starting my vigil at Phil's resting place.

Our final vigil of the week. We finish where we started with a special vigil for Philip Germer.

Remembering the sacrifice made by the Germer family with the commanding officer of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

One minute the vigil can be very quiet...

... and a minute later it can be very busy. This group of strangers assembled from one moment to the next.

Closing time at the cemetery. This is the last photo of me on this trip in my tribute uniform.