Germany invited to D-Day events

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3361763.stm ^ | 2004/01/01 | Caroline Wyatt

[budanski]

France has invited Gerhard Schroeder to ceremonies to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings - the first time a German leader has been invited.

The move marks the growing ties between French President Jacques Chirac and the German chancellor.

Allied forces disembarked on the Normandy coast in the first step towards liberating France from German occupation during World War II.

Mr Schroeder has said he will participate in the ceremonies.

The move shows how close a relationship has developed between the two countries since they put aside their wartime enmity.

Just 10 years ago it was deemed too soon to invite a German chancellor to the 50th anniversary, with the late French President, Francois Mitterrand, taking his German counterpart, Helmut Kohl, to a Franco-German youth festival instead.

This year, several other leaders are also expected to attend the D-Day ceremonies, among them the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

It is not clear how veterans' associations will react to the news that Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will be joining them for the event.

But for the French this marks yet another step on the road towards ever closer union with Germany.

The two nations remain the driving force within the European Union, with France keen to forge ahead with greater integration with Germany even if other countries wish to proceed at a slower pace.

Last year, President Chirac symbolically represented Mr Schroeder on behalf of Germany at a meeting of EU member states.

The bond between the two nations was only strengthened by their joint opposition to the war on Iraq.

[budanski]

Does anyone know if Bush was invited?

[Paleo Conservative]

They weren't invited back in 1944.

[SkyPilot]

Does anyone know if Bush was invited?

I checked every story I could find. The answer so far is...................no--Bush (read: the United States) is not invited.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Ironic, since the French practically invited the Nazis into their homes after Paris fell.

[MamaB]

I have no idea, but I really doubt that he would be invited since the 2 countries are so Anti-American and Anti-President Bush.

[Chris Tucker]

Ironic, since the French practically invited the Nazis into their homes after Paris fell.

Then Vichy France was born and they fought the Allies in North Africa.

[pepsionice]

I wouldn't worry an awful lot about GW being invited....there will still be more Americans at Omaha Beach on the 6th of June than any other nationality...and they will all have flags.

My guess is that the French will suddenly wake up in early May and suddenly bombard the French government...demanding that the US be invited...and GW will get a sudden last minute invitation. It would be a insult for GW to decline...even though its a minor insult to accept a last minute invite. For the Germans to come...it simply provides another opportunity for them to say they are sorry (for the umpteenth time) and look good in front of the camera. Most Germans won't watch the whole glorified event...preferring soccer or prime-time reality shows.

[SkyPilot]

Then Vichy France was born and they fought the Allies in North Africa.

And the British Navy asked the French Admirals to stop fighting them there, but the French refused. So the British were forced to sink the French warships.

[SkyPilot]

Most Germans won't watch the whole glorified event...preferring soccer or prime-time reality shows.

Actually, they love this sort of "Lottery" show over here. It usually shows a buxom blonde holding a stack of Euros in her hand.

[RWR8189]

Frankly, I'm surprised Blair was invited.

The French and Germans can just yuk it up and talk about the "good ol' days" and then get back on track toward working for lebensraum, oops I mean closer integration.

[ServesURight]

And the British Navy asked the French Admirals to stop fighting them there, but the French refused. So the British were forced to sink the French warships.

LOL! The funny thing is that Hitler invaded and occupied the rest of France anyway when Darlan surrended. The French will never learn from their mistakes.

[endthematrix]

Hey what is this? Are you a bunch of agitators getting people all worked up over the past? Stop telling the truth! Now, more than ever, I'm mad as hell at those Frogs than ever before! THANKS!

[endthematrix]

Is this a clue Old Europe is interested in forming a united pact?

[A CA Guy]

Let them make all the agreements they wish, they will betray each other into oblivion.

[sheik yerbouty]

"The Pact of Quiche"

[endthematrix]

I say foster and encourage it until it fractures the EU at the seams. Entangling Alliances none.

[A CA Guy]

"Exactly" what would happen.

[albertabound]

It is ironic that after firing on U.S and British Forces and killing quite a few in the landings in North Africa, Ike and Monty stood back and let DeGaul and the Free French march into Paris to take all the credit as liberators. Where was the French army when my Dad and his buddies were up to their asses in mud kicking the Gerries out of Holland and Belgium I wonder.