Posted on 08/01/2003 3:25:54 PM PDT by DCBryan1
Well, I just got my packet of info concerning the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France by Stephen Ambrose Tours, Inc. I was suprised that the tour is a CRUISE! Not only that, I think that the $8,000+ is pretty steep, even for such noble guests and luxuries that you will be treated to no doubt.
However, I was wondering if it were possible to get together a FreeRepublic.com group of history buffs/patriots/veterans and maybe go over and make things more fun and less expensive for us.
I have never been to Normandy, but I heard it was alot of fun and very sobering. Even though I have reservations about spending ANY amount of money in France, I feel it is important to understand the sacrifice that our soldiers made 60 years ago and want to be there.
Unfortunately, the 60th Anniversary of D-day next June, 2004 will be the last for many D-Day Vets. With an average age of the sailors and soldiers during D-Day being 20, most soldiers that will be there will be 80+ years old and some of them may not make it to further anniversaries.
Let me know if any of you have been to Normandy and how a Freeper trip sounds. If FreeRepublic can't/won't officially sanction it, thats ok. I would enjoy the company of a couple of Freepers maybe, but would enjoy any input from those that have made this, one of the ultimate battlefield tours.
DCBryan1
I think this is a good idea.
I would love to do that as I missed the 50th anniversary. It would be especially great if we had some veterans along that were there when it happened.
PS: No flames on "I hate France b/c of Iraq".
This is because:
I hate France.
But I want to be with our "boys" on the 6oth anniversary of D-Day.
I promise to spend as little money in France as possible:)
$8,000 is a bit steep for me but if the trip can be brought down to under $2,000, I might be able to justify it to my "financial manager" (my wife). I get two more weeks vacation than her anyway so I've got to do something during that extra time besides sitting around the house painting the bathroom!
At any rate, we might be able to blunt the financial benefits to France by flying an American-owned carrier to France and buying American (or non-French products) while we are over there. I never drink Budweiser here but I'll drink it in France before buying their beer or wine.
A couple of people have told me that the hotel in Arromanches(Juno beach/Brit. sector) is a good place to stay, along with the small bed and breakfasts' at Pegasus Bridge. There are 1st Class hotels in Caen and St. Lo...but being an American, I would like to stay at Vierville, St.Come du Mont, or St. Mere Eglise.
Right Now I plan on going alone, into this, that is why I suggested a Freeper trip to keep me company :)
Frankly, I hate Stephen Ambrose and his pop (read "junk") history about as much as I hate Chirac.
I would also recommend trying to rent a "gite," kinda like a bungalow or summer home used only for rentals by the week. Some are available on the beach. It might be possible to share housing expenses among four or six people.
Also, being an anniversary year, reservations well in advance should be made. Maybe as soon as this month.
I've been, and I'd consider going on this excursion, depending on cost and such.
The village of Arromanches les Bains is a must visit, where the Mulberries still sit exposed in the surf.
He he...I hate France to...but remember, we will be on AMERICAN SOIL....unfortunately it is a cemetary.I too used to advocate bringing our boys home from France, but I listened to a widow and sister of some soldiers from Little Rock killed on D-Day, and they told me that they did wish to bring their husband/brother/son's home but they indicated that if they should die, to please bury them with their fellow soldiers.
Pretty sobering.
Even if I don't go, I'd be happy to help organize.
I would second the comment about staying in England and going over to the site for a day trip, in order to spend the minimum funds in France. However, that's a knee jerk reaction. I believe I saw some news items that certain parts of France, notably Normandy and Britony (sp?) had expressed disdain for the attitude of the national gov. Kinda like the western provinces of Canada. We might be able to find places that had publicly expressed anger with the conventional wisdom of their fellow frenchmen.
I'll post what my wife can come up with, maybe even tonight.
Have grave location so the anniversary would be good time to pay respects.
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