Been an excellent weekend, with a full report later. Lucky to have 25 veterans on my coach, with some great stories and many happy memories - plus some sads ones revived, too. Below a quick photo I have had time to download; this was part of the Para drop ar Ranville on 5th June. A stick has just jumped from a C47. It could almost be a wartime image...
Yes, BBC and Sky did us proud over the weekend. I found it all very moving. I suppose we have to expect the French to be long-winded but I'm sure that they were very sincere in what they said. The German participation seemed to have been handled well. I couldn't help feeling that something must be done to honour ALL the veterans of the Second World War so that tribute can be paid to all the services and the many theatres of war. Otherwise we are in danger of ending up in the same position as we are over the WW1 veterans - regretting that there has been no adequate recognition of their service and sacrifice. Maybe now is the time to write to MP's and the like to see if something could be done - perhaps to coincide with the anniversary of the end of the war (2005 or 2006). In any event the planning needs to start now. If you share that feeling why not get a letter off to the politicians and the RBL to see if they will respond?
Originally posted by Chris Basey@Jun 7 2004, 02:06 PM Maybe now is the time to write to MP's and the like to see if something could be done - perhaps to coincide with the anniversary of the end of the war (2005 or 2006). In any event the planning needs to start now. Chris - Have a look HERE. Click on the Remembrance section and then go to the bottom of the list where you'll find mention of the 60th anniversary of the end of WW2. You'll also be able to download the official emblem of the anniversary, aren't the MOD clever!
Originally posted by Chris Basey@Jun 7 2004, 02:06 PM perhaps to coincide with the anniversary of the end of the war (2005 or 2006). Chris - Here is a sample of the official emblem.....
There was a slight sense in some of the press coverage of 'That was all very nice. Ah well, that's the end of World War II commemorations and goodbye to the wartime generation' which did concern me. Last time (50th anniversary) there was a big thing made of VE and VJ day which I suspect may not be repeated this time. Of course, 60 years is not normally accorded much significance as an anniversary, and it is more to do with the fact that there are a reasonable number of veterans still with us.
I found that a lot of the schedules shows about D-day were cancelled because of Regan's death the night before. He really chose the wrong time to die.
Lee Many thanks for pointing me in the direction of the Veterans Agency website. My questions are answered and it is good to see that the VA are on the ball! I wonder how many people, like me, missed the Press Release on 11th March 2004 when the logo was announced? Rather like the very late publicity for the government funding provided for veterans to go to Normandy. Maybe this is a good place to mention the commemoration date of Sunday 10th July 2005 from time to time. It is a certainly a topic for our next Royal British Legion meeting. Thanks also for posting the logo, Lee - quite a good effort!
Originally posted by Chris Basey@Jun 9 2004, 10:46 AM Thanks also for posting the logo, Lee - quite a good effort! Chris - No problem mate. I must say that I was quite suprised that the logo actually looks OK, I think I was expecting some sort of over-the-top PC badge that would really naff.
Some photos from this trip placed on my website at: http://battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/d_day_plus_60.htm
Great pictures, Paul. It was not really an option for us to get over there this month, but I think we may do for a few days in September once the schools go back. I havn't been to the British sector for about 12 years and it would be good to go exploring again, but when it is a bit quieter.
Paul - For those of us who couldn't get over there these sorts of photos are just the thing to make us feel a little closer to the action. Thank you.
