The next day was our Preparation Day, so we had some free time to go see cultural sites, write letters to our families, and go see other interesting things, like American ships. We all made our way down to the Port and saw the fellow we had met the night before. There was a big line of French citizens waiting for a chance to go on the American boat. He took us past all of them and onto the launch, which took us to the carrier. We walked through the lower parts of the ship, saw the huge room the size of a gymnasium full of nothing but soda machines. They had every flavor you could imagine, for 25 cents. I hadn't had a root beer in over six months, but all I had in my coin purse was francs. The man giving us the tour was kind enough to give those of us without any American money a quarter from his own pocket so we could have a taste from home.
Then he took us up to the flight deck to see the planes. What you see above is what stood out to me as we arrived up top. I realized I hadn't seen this flag waving for at least six months, and my heart filled with overwhelming joy at the bond to this country. While I was enjoying my time in France, I knew where my home was, and I was proud and grateful that I would be returning there. I was filled with gratitude for the several thousand men and women on that ship who were working to protect that country, the place I loved.