60th.Anniversary of Normandy

[J.von Canon]

In a few weeks the 60th.Anniversary of D-Day will be held in Normandy.
Some veterans are extremely upset that so many politicans and their drones,security groups for guarding the politicans(namely Bush & Blair);not to mention even reenactors in very large numbers;that the major highway in the area will be closed to any traffic due to security for the "v.i.p.'s"(and I don't mean the actual veterans who are coming to Normandy,probably for the last time as most are in their 80's);all these "other"people are causing alot of anger and resentment.Apparently some vets have even been "bumped"in finding lodgings for this event;others have been unable to find any accomodations at all.
Others will find difficulties in attending scheduled memorial services,if at all, due to the highway being shut down(for the "v.i.p." multitude.)
One historian,Mark Bando,who has published a number of books concerning the 101st.Airborne Division and the Normandy drop has expressed himself about this sorry situation on his (Airborne "collectors")website Trigger Time and has indicated his non-attendance due to these circumstances...
Kinda sad state of affairs...
J.von Canon

[WWIIBuff]

D-Day 2004

Hi Paul,

The celebrations on the 50th anniversary attracted a few million people so the French have been through this before. I was there last year and it was difficult to to park anywhere near many of the ceremonies due to the crowds. If they are closing down the main highway, hopefully they have set up some sort of tram or bus system. I know the veterans are being required to register in advance due to security. VIP's are a fact of life at these types of things, especially with this probably being the last "big" celebration over there. Unfortunately the road closures and other security arrangements are just a fact of life do to the current state of the world. I don't think they are just a result of the VIP's presence.

I will agree however that the whole situation is a hassel and unfortunately "bumping" of reservations has occurred. I was going to go back again this year and was going to "piggyback" the reservation of the tourgroup I went with last year. Unfortunately their entire reservation for 30 people (booked and confirmed almost 2 years ago) was cancelled in favor of a group of VIPs. Now they will have to drive 2 hours each morning to reach the beaches. My attempts to book on my own 10 months ago made me decide to wait until next year instead due to the crowd and the obvious price hikes.

John

[J.von Canon]

Hi Paul,

The celebrations on the 50th anniversary attracted a few million people so the French have been through this before. I was there last year and it was difficult to to park anywhere near many of the ceremonies due to the crowds. If they are closing down the main highway, hopefully they have set up some sort of tram or bus system. I know the veterans are being required to register in advance due to security. VIP's are a fact of life at these types of things, especially with this probably being the last "big" celebration over there. Unfortunately the road closures and other security arrangements are just a fact of life do to the current state of the world. I don't think they are just a result of the VIP's presence.

I will agree however that the whole situation is a hassel and unfortunately "bumping" of reservations has occurred. I was going to go back again this year and was going to "piggyback" the reservation of the tourgroup I went with last year. Unfortunately their entire reservation for 30 people (booked and confirmed almost 2 years ago) was cancelled in favor of a group of VIPs. Now they will have to drive 2 hours each morning to reach the beaches. My attempts to book on my own 10 months ago made me decide to wait until next year instead due to the crowd and the obvious price hikes.

John

Seems to me that the "vip's"could have choppered in,made their speeches,and left instead of having their entourage-in-tow occupying space that vets might have.
J.von Canon

[darryl-P]

The very same controversy is happening up here. Seems that the VIP group and their minions outnumber the group of D-Day veterans who are able to attend.

As is usual with events like these, the true meaning becomes lost and the politics take over. It's a shame. Our Prime Minister gave a speech a short while ago commending the vets on their invasion of Norway (yes, Norway...he obviously meant Normandy). He said it twice so it wasn't a typo or a slip of the tongue...he simply didn't know the difference. Sad.

[fergmacleod]

it's nothing new........

Guys,
I was in Normandy in 1984 for the 'celebrations'. I spent June 6th sat in the back of a duece-and-a -half on a side road, as the French had shut down the N13 highway, to enable Ronnie and other big-wigs fast access to the whole invasion area. Of course, no-one had told us that this would be happening, but surprise, surprise, the French-owned military vehicles were all in place at various ceremonies. Funny how that happened.

[Frans H.]

I think it will be less crowdy at the 1st of November in Westkapelle. Yes, this may look strange, but on this day it will be 60 years ago that Royal Marine Commando's of 47th; 48th; 41th no. 4 and 10 Interallied Commando landed at Westkapelle. On the 1st of November a big delegation of veterans is coming to Westkapelle to commemorate the liberation of Westkapelle and Walcheren. As a matter of fact: it will be a big anniversary.

For you who don't know: Westkapelle is a little town in Holland just above the river Scheldt.

The battle of Westkapelle and Walcheren stands in the shadows of the Normandy landings. No. 47 and no. 48 RMC was the same unit that fought in Normandy at Port at Bessin. I have good contact with several veterans and they all told me that the Westkapelle operation was a living hell. The fighting was more fierce than in Normandy.

Also on this day the new museum will be opened. A great part of this museum is dedicated to the history of Westkapelle in the war and liberation. The whole week there are festivities. So, if you have time come visit the new museum and the commemoration.

The Westkapelle operation was also of great important. It was necessary to get access to the port of Antwerp. On Walcheren the German coastal batteries held control of the river Scheldt. The gateway to Antwerp. So, no allied ships could use the port of Antwerp. So far this little piece of history.

Thank you all for your attention.

Frans.

[J.von Canon]

Finally said the heck with it...

Guys,
I was in Normandy in 1984 for the 'celebrations'. I spent June 6th sat in the back of a duece-and-a -half on a side road, as the French had shut down the N13 highway, to enable Ronnie and other big-wigs fast access to the whole invasion area. Of course, no-one had told us that this would be happening, but surprise, surprise, the French-owned military vehicles were all in place at various ceremonies. Funny how that happened.

I've finally said the heck with it.
Though only a post W.W.II paratrooper(1962-65)I decided my room reservations should go to a Brit veteran as the closest I could get to the 101st.A.O. was Ranville(over 50 klicks distance,in the British A.O.,and with the main road closed!)
Since I will have the wife and nephew with me could'nt just roll up in a chute in some localized hedgerow...
We'll see Normandy after returning from Germany and the mob has left(hopefully.)
Incidentally to those who are attending;I really believe this particular event has a very high assessment of possible terrorist activity and would suggest being very alert around crowded vip. events(staying on the periphry near an exit-rout thought out in advance.
I hope I'm wrong about this....
von Canon

[Allan H.]

There was a very interesting story on the news some time back where a veteran of the 116th Infantry, 29th Division, was complaining that he would not be allowed to take part in the cerimonies on Omaha beach because it would be "too crowded" for him to be in the official cerimonial party. His comment was "the beach wasn't too crowded for me on D-Day."
Still, this 80 something vet, has been left out of the cerimonies to commemorate the event and to honor his fallen buddies.
Disgraceful!
Allan

[WWIIBuff]

60th in Holland

Hi Guys,

A little off the topic but does anyone know if the same "crowd" problem exists in Holland in September for the 60th celebrations of Market Garden? Since I cancelled my plans for Normandy, I'm tinking about Holland instead.

Thanks
John

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi John, it depends where you want to stay? Arnhem/Oosterbeek is pretty well booked up solid. But there is room in the district from what I have heard? It depends if you are prepaired to commute? Even the Vets I know are having to stay in Ede.

I am not sure of the situation in the Eindhoven/ Nijmegen area? But I would imagine it will be very busy too. I stay just outside Nijmegen in a little village called Beek. 508th PIR dropped there.

Please feel free to drop me a PM if you need any help, as I have been going to the commemorations for the last 10 years.

Cheers, Ade.

[grovb]

There was a very interesting story on the news some time back where a veteran of the 116th Infantry, 29th Division, was complaining that he would not be allowed to take part in the cerimonies on Omaha beach because it would be "too crowded" for him to be in the official cerimonial party. His comment was "the beach wasn't too crowded for me on D-Day."
Still, this 80 something vet, has been left out of the cerimonies to commemorate the event and to honor his fallen buddies.
Disgraceful!
Allan

I tottally agree with you there. Isn't the celebration for the veterans.

[Mick D]

Road closed?

Does anyone know, for sure, when the road will be closed? Do they close every road in the neighbourhood or just the main road? Is it just for the 6th of june or will it be closed for a longer period?

I´m going there, so please let me know what you know.

Cheers
Mick D

[J.von Canon]

Normandy contact

Does anyone know, for sure, when the road will be closed? Do they close every road in the neighbourhood or just the main road? Is it just for the 6th of june or will it be closed for a longer period?

I´m going there, so please let me know what you know.

Cheers
Mick D

Mick;
Try to contact Emmanuel Allain.
He and his wife are in charge of a number of events at the Normandy event.He has always answered any questions that I had.
He can give you answers to your questions about the route closing.His e-mail is Emallain@aol.com
Address:Emmanuel Allain
21,Blvd.Alsace-Lorraine
14123 IFS
NORMANDIE-FRANCE
I hope this helps.
J.von Canon

[Mick D]

Access 6th june

I´ve now got a copy of a informationfolder from the Calvados tourist board and it says that the roads will be closed in the area from 06:00 hr the 6th of june.

The map is to large to attach, so please let me know if anyone want a copy of it.

Thanks for your help J von Canon

Cheers

[kris simoens]

Normandy

Well, I've just finished a Normandy photo report on my website. So for those who can't make it next weekend enjoy the pictures.
The link can be found under News->Normandy 2004 report.

Regards,

Kris.