Bre they American. Dutch, Canadian, British, whatever.. I swam the Rhine last year outside of Arnhem becuase they did it first. I went and sat on the Ginkel Heath because they did it first. Now I am an American and my American stories of places I've been overseas far out weigh my stories of our Allies overseas because Americans are interested in Americans. Well thats natural. But I'm telling you Brian Giuy and Len smith, both Veterans of D-day I traveld 4000 miles to see and I ecpect to do the same again next year. I don't care what flag they fought under they all fought together. whatever wierd circumstances brought us together to forge a bond I'm greatful. Len Smith sent me a Christmas card last year....that was overwhelming....I honestly think I am one of a few youg americans who has reached out to British Vets and I'm grateful I did. These guys are great.
Brian guy invited me into his home. Me, drunk guy from America who had talked to him in the phone a few times and nothing else. He invited me into his home and I wen and waked away a better man. Like I said before the room seems much smaller when youre sitting in with a man like Brian Guy. The same with Len smith. I walked away from that overseas trip with a much greater appreciation of our Allies.
I'm still a dumb yank....but I've got utmost respect for British military heros and the way I see it in doing so I even got one up on my own countrymen.
Heya Owen I've had a little too much this evening and I am going to go away for a bit but I got to tell you I love the British and Canadian and Austrailan veterans as much as I love the American veterans. They are all better men than I will ever aspire to be and I'm grateful they were there at the right time and they did what needed to be done. We should all be grateful. I am. -robert, soon to be living in cuyahoga falls, ohio
What an entertaining thread. Hope you have a wicked time in Normandy EB, & then bombard us with your usual high quality pictures . In the spirit of your Rhine-swimming I don't suppose you're planning on scaling Pointe du Hoc with just a grappling hook are you?
Vehicle owners plan much more than a year in advance. There is a scheme afoot to get 65 WD motorcycles lined up on the beach at Arromanches for the 65th anniversary. ...I'd better get back to the garage then.
Ha what a brilliant thread. EB's deffinately had a few there like. Great photo with sapper too. I'm gonna try and get there next year. Always wanted to do one of them battlebus tours of the beaches.
Hello! This is my first post, so please be gentle (haha). My 3rd trip to Normandy, is in the planning stages. Specifically, to attend commemeration activities for the 65th Anniversary. Does anyone know a website or location to contact for an itinerary or agenda? Thanks!!
Hi Lynne - I have seen nothing concrete announced yet. I suspect it will be this winter before any firm details are posted anywhere. When they are, we will be putting them here.
I will be there with my group of Vets and Durham Pals , if you are going think about Hotel booking now as many are booked solid already !! regards Paul
I'm hoping to get in at least two trips to Normandy next year, one of which will hopefully coincide with the commemorations. My last battlefield trip for this year will commence next Thursday when I'll be going over to the Hurtgen Forest for a few days. I have been talked in to going camping while there, which I haven't done since I was a kid, so I hope the weather is favourable and the bugs don't bite...
Wonderful information. I do have my lodging. Lovely little place I stayed at last year on the road between Bayeax and Aromanches. Secured it in April. My Dad was in the Pacific Theater, but for whatever reason, I am committed and driven to learn everything about D-Day and the remainder of the European War. Looking forward to future chats, and perhaps meeting some of you next June.
Hi Lynnejo, My father and his four brothers were in the PTO. The four brothers were in the Navy and my father was in the Army. In Feb. 1945 Dad was transferred to the ETO.