France Ban Brit Veterans From D-Day Beaches

Sunday_Mirror.co.uk ^

[jempet]

BRITISH war veterans are to be banned from this year's Normandy D-Day landings 60th anniversary tribute - because the French claim they could damage the beaches.

Elderly ex-soldiers have been told numbers are going to be limited because of "health and safety issues", including possible harm to the environment and problems with disabled access and public toilets. The snub has enraged up to 3,000 veterans preparing to make the emotional trip to the beaches where they fought the Germans to help liberate France in 1944.

Tory home security spokesman Patrick Mercer, a former army colonel, said: "It's a good job that the French didn't restrict which beaches our men could go on in 1944 because if they had then the French would still be under Nazi rule." Mr Mercer, whose father fought in World War II, added: "If our boys had been worried about such things as health and safety during D-Day, then France would never have been liberated. Some recognition of this from the French would be nice."

Veterans have been further angered by the insistence that they are only allowed access to the beaches if they wear security passes and photo ID cards. Survivors without a badge will be denied entry to events, the beaches they liberated and even a British march-past due to be attended by the Queen.

Now officials from the Ministry of Defence have begun their own war of words in a desperate attempt to get the French to change their minds.

Last night a senior MoD insider said: "The French have gone too far and this will be made clear to them. Many veterans are becoming distressed. To be treated like this on the very beaches they liberated is insulting."

Veterans from across Britain have spent months preparing for the emotional pilgrimage to the beaches. Because of their age, for many the trip to Northern France could be the last time they stand on the former battlefields to remember fallen comrades.

They will find out this week how the French have limited numbers and how many places are available.

The event is also dogged by fears of a possible terrorist strike, as the commemorations will be attended by Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

The source said: "The French are asking for frail and elderly veterans to sort out individual security passes for themselves - that is enough to put off old soldiers in their droves.

"And the number allowed at some events and areas of the beaches is going to be restricted for what the French describe as health and safety reasons.

"The feeling in the MoD is that what is being asked of these men by the French is too much and they should be shown a great deal more respect."

Last night an MoD spokesman said there would be discussions with the French to address the issue of security passes and other restrictions. The talks will will take place in the city of Caen - which was bombed flat by the British as they advanced in 1944.

Joe Sibun, 84, who landed on Gold Beach in Normandy on D-Day, said: "I think it is just a case of somebody sitting in an office in France who has decided to be bloody awkward.

"I do not see any good reason for this kind of red tape."

[geedee]

I say let them land under the escort of US and UK Marines.

LOL. Not required . . . two packs of Girl Scouts should do it.

[Destructor]

The French are just arrogant, assholes. Period.

[WritableSpace]

After this incedent mabey they should just call the whole thing off.

What the hell... They went in at once they should not be asked the indignity of giving a 'partial' ceremony.

How many more times are these guy's going to have to meet each other, and swap stories, and retel them. This is poor class...

France has no Class.

[SJackson]

Regards to your father, I've never seen one of those.

[SAMWolf]

Thank you. He was awarded it when he attended the the 50th Anniversary ceremonies.

[muleskinner]

Ya know, ya just can't beat a good French-bashing thread!

Sending all the graphics to the editor of The Mirror would be nice.

[mathurine]

Moi aussi. The Brits should just take them there in amphibious vehicles and test the dubious proposition that the treacherous frogs could resist even a force of three thousand handicapped octagenarians.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks Matt. Great pictures.

[NRA2BFree]

"It already has. The tour group coordinator has informed us that the French government is considering making the American invasion beaches off-limits to all American tourists and canceling all ceremonies at the American Cemetery -- including a speech by the President -- due to their inability to secure the area against terrorist attacks."

This whole story is just absolutely incredible.

I have this vision of President George Bush, within the parameters of this particular scenario, floating one or two carrier task groups and perhaps a MEU SOC right off the coast and JUST SHOWING UP WITH OUR VETERANS IN TOW! It would be a laugh riot bar none to see the French wet their pants! Just like in Iraq.

I'm sorry to learn that it could cause you problems with your trip too. Hopefully, the French will be shamed into changing their decision. I do like your idea about how to handle it though. LOL!

[fantasio]

I do not know where the mirror take the source for this article, i just know it is a sh** newspaper, here are some links about the ceremony in Normandy and a declaration by Admiral BRAC de LA PERRIERE Président du Comité du Débarquement.



http://www.normandiememoire.com/NM60Anglais/resultatcomplet_fr.php?tri=normal


http://www.normandiememoire.com/NM60Anglais/sommaire.html#


The people of Normandy suffered greatly both physically and materially on D-Day itself, as well as during the eighty days of the Battle of Normandy, paying a heavy price indeed for the freedom they owe their liberators. They thus shared in the suffering of the men who risked their lives in order to free them and have remained devotedly and steadfastly grateful to them ever since.

EACH veteran must surely feel at home on Norman soil, which will never forget these joint sacrifices. This is the main message of our association, Normandie Mémoire 60ème Anniversaire.

In 2004, former Resistance workers and battle survivors, along with all the young people who have fervently taken on the sacred duty of remembrance, would like to give particular expression to this enduring friendship. The presentation of a badge (insigne de poitrine) to each veteran present in Normandy during the summer of 2004 will be a token of our esteem.

Admiral BRAC de LA PERRIERE.

[JudgemAll]

BRITISH war veterans are to be banned from this year's Normandy D-Day landings 60th anniversary tribute - because the French claim they could damage the beaches.

Oh, but it is OK for their muslim trash illegals to go about and make messes on beaches while trying to cross the channel in Calais or what not.