Normandy visit in early June

We went on the Battlebus tour last July and one of the things our guide bemoaned was how bad a time it was for visitors to come on the day of the big celebrations. He said the crowds and traffic are really bad. Also, he said when heads of state visit, they section off areas (such as Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, etc), and for certain times of the day you aren't allowed to travel between areas because of security. All this can really make it hard to get "full value" out of your visit to Normandy that day.

I was in Normandy on June 6, 2004, the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings. For the 60th anniversary, Pres. Bush and other heads of state attended a ceremony at the American Cemetery above Omaha Beach. Fortunately we'd visited the D-Day beaches the day before, June 5--because on June 6 the roads leading into the area were blocked by French security forces and the security zone started many miles away from Omaha Beach and covered a large area surrounding the D-Day beaches that appeared to be completely sealed off from tourists--no way you would get in that day. But it wasn't a problem on the day before.Bottom line: If heads of state attend the ceremony on June 6, 2009, the roads leading to the place of the ceremony/ceremonies will probably be blocked by security forces, as they were in 2004.

Barbara,

I definitely agree with the experiences that Kent described! I wasn't in Normandy on 6 June 2004, but rather just across the channel in North Yorkshire (UK). I watched the ceremonies on TV and was thankful that I wasn't in Normandy, as there seemed to be "gridlock" with both people and cars. News reports indicated that many lodgings in the area were fully booked by not only visitors but also the hordes of media. I can't recall if visiting heads-of-state were staying in the area or in Paris? With the large entourage they always travel with, I'm sure they booked up some of the "high end" lodgings.

I suspect it will be considerably busier there than usual, but I suppose we'll see when the occasion happens.

Cheers!

As a WWII vet, my guess is that it will not be a larger celebration. Most young people don't know about D-Day and some don't care about it. And some of us older folks are departing the scene.

I read recently that on average 1,000 vets die every day. That will reduce the number who will attend this celebration.

Found this on the Battlebus site while looking for another answer. FYI for people looking to do tours during the 65th anniversary.

"Battlebus Closures
We are closed for 65th anniversary of D-Day on June 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th. This year will be the last time many of our veteran friends will travel to France, and we wish to attend the ceremonies and spend time with our heroes and friends."

Carl said:

"Most young people don't know about D-Day and some don't care about it. And some of us older folks are departing the scene."

I'm sure that's true in some parts. However, around here events such as 1WW Armisitice Day are still closely observed every year; last November 11th in our small village the wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial (every commune has one), led by the Mayor and representative of the War Veterans, was as well attended as ever, including many children.

As well as the ceremonies around the landing beaches to commemorate D-Day itself, there will be many other smaller events in towns and villages throughout Normandy all the way to the end of August this year, as each commune commemorates the liberation by the advancing Allied forces. Our own commune was liberated by the Second Armoured Division under General Leclerc on August 11th 1944, but the next village to the east was freed by an American army column.

http://www.normandie-chambres.co.uk/liberation.html#liberate

Hate to say it, but I think Carl is correct about the majority. I do know a lot of young people are aware of WWII history, but when you ask many of todays teen's and even those in their 20's what happened on Dec 7th or June 6th they just get a dumb look on their face. Thanks to all the parents and teachers that have taken the time to make as many as possible aware of this history but I'm afraid fewer and fewer each year are concerned about it.
Those of us that had fathers that were involved are very much aware of the happenings and what sacrafices were made. Just make sure your kids and grandkids are educated on WWII.

Carl,

I wish you were wrong, but I suspect you are correct. I visited the Dday beaches when I was 15 (early 90s) with a school group and it was one of the most interesting experiences of my life. Incidentally, we were there in June, but not on an anniversary date to note, and it was crowded.

BTW, thanks!

Carl, my father is a WWII vet; my father-in-law was a WWII vet. Last June, my husband and I travelled to France and Belgium to see the areas where they served. We were there the week following June 6. We knew it would be remarkable, but we are still in awe. We toured with Battlebus and a separate private guide in Belgium in the Ardennes. Our Battlebus tour included some teens. They were also wowed in a way that would make you proud. The American cemetery was filled with people of all ages. All over the countryside, in so many villages and towns, there were monuments to American troops. American flags fly everywhere. New wreaths lay against the monuments because of ceremonies that townsfolk have each June on the day of their liberation. I get teary just thinking of it. Yes, veterans are leaving us, but we will not forget. I am a history teacher, and you can betcha my students will be taught thoroughly about the sacrifices and stories that abound. Thanks for your service.

Carl,

On defenseive of young people, I love WW2 history, D-day, and holocaust history. I am going to Europe in may, planning on not going to bars and clubs like some young people do (not that that's bad), but I'm going to the d-day beaches, and many of the ww2 museums and concentration camps. I have prepared by reading Steven Ambrose's D-day, and I read Beyond Band of Brothers also. I salute you for being a veteran and how can we as Americans ever forget those who served our country, so that others might be free!

I don't know if this year's 65th anniversary will be the same size, but I was in Normandy for the 60th anniversary with 2 other families- 7 adults and 9 kids under age 10. The kids are still talking about it to this day. People come in costume and in WWII era vehicles and you see them everywhere honking and waving, flags whipping in the wind behind them. It is almost like a snapshot in time. It was very exciting for all of us. The friendliest French people I have ever met were in Normandy. The highlight of our trip was sitting in the middle of a cow field in St. Mere Eglise watching the paratroopers jump in while we picnicked on warm camembert, strawberries and baguette as tall as my 4 year old. We've already made reservations to go back. Wouldn't miss the chance to see the celebreation again and honor (those vets) that do show up. Please don't decide not to come just because it may be crowded. And incidentally, I didn't think it was half as crowded as a theme park on a summer's day!

In response to Carl, we were in Normandy in 1994 during the 50th anniversary marking D Day. In a restaurant one night we met a young couple from the UK who were just starting a motorcycle trip through France. They told us they had particularly planned to stop in Normandy to visit British Military Cemetaries and pay homage to the war dead.