The Omaha Sister Cities Association recently completed a memorable and meaningful delegation trip to France, highlighted by time spent with our friends in Isigny-Omaha Intercom. The visit reinforced the deep historical and personal connections between Omaha and the Normandy region while providing opportunities for cultural exchange and friendship. Delegates were warmly welcomed for a luncheon with members of the Intercom community, bringing together local leaders and travelers from Omaha to celebrate the strength of the partnership and a shared commitment to continuing exchanges between our communities.
One of the most moving portions of the visit was the delegation’s time at Omaha Beach and the Normandy American Cemetery. At Omaha Beach, travelers visited the Charles N. Shay Memorial and viewed Les Braves, the striking monument rising from the sand in tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Allied forces on D-Day.
At the cemetery, Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. joined Patrick Thomines, President of Isigny-Omaha Intercom, in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring the American service members who gave their lives during World War II. The delegation also viewed the cemetery’s daily flag-lowering ceremony, where the playing of Taps provided a solemn and unforgettable moment of remembrance and reflection.
During the visit, the group learned the remarkable story of Nebraska twins Julius and Ludwig Pieper, radiomen who served during the war. After being separated in death for decades, Ludwig’s remains were identified and, 74 years later, he was laid to rest beside his brother at the Normandy American Cemetery; a powerful reminder of sacrifice, service, and enduring human connection.
The following evening, a smaller group from Omaha gathered informally with community members and leaders from the region, including former Intercom President Anne Boissel, whose leadership was instrumental in establishing the Omaha–Normandy partnership with Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. Cedric Poisson, Mayor of Cormolain and Philippe LeClerc, interpreter, also joined the gathering, continuing conversations about future cultural and educational collaboration between our communities.
The visit served as a meaningful reminder that sister city relationships are built not only through official partnerships, but through shared history, mutual respect, and the friendships formed between people across generations and across borders.
