As some of you know, I work in the Battlefield Tour business. We have 31 coaches going to Normandy for 6th June, largely attending the ceremonies at Pegasus, Ranville and Merville (mainly because of expected poor access to other areas). We have been assured for some time that no passes were needed for any of our clients, whether veterans or not, to attend these ceremonies; at the last minute the French have changed their mind and we are currently having to write to nearly 1500 people to get their passport details to get them passes. I only mention this as a warning to anyone else thinking about attending ceremonies on the 6th June, whether alone or in - or with - a group. Bon chance, mes amis!
Hi Paul, I don't suppose you have any insight on Bernieres or Courselles? I have not found any restrictions imposed so far, I guess as there are no heads of state present? That's where I'll be! Ryan
Paul - thanks for the warning. 31 coaches!!! The mind boggles at the chaos of the interchange at the ports. Charles
Originally posted by salientpoints@Apr 7 2004, 12:12 AM Hi Paul, I don't suppose you have any insight on Bernieres or Courselles? I have not found any restrictions imposed so far, I guess as there are no heads of state present? That's where I'll be! Ryan I think you might find some problems at Courseulles, because of its close proximity to the Juno Centre, where I presume the Canadian heads of state might be? I would check with the maire of the place to make sure. Are you going to this place on 6th June, or will you be there the night before? I only ask, as I am beginning to think no-one is going to get along the beaches on the 6th itself!
Hi Paul, We will be arriving on 5th June as I have a gite at Bernieres booked for the whole week. I would walk or cycle to Courselles, that is if we even go that far on the Sunday. It may be far more likely that we go to the Juno Beach Centre on Monday, but you never know as its only about 3km apart should be easy walking and I see the ceremony at Courselles is 9.30am so maybe we'll be ok to arrive there around noon? Apart from the ceremony at 8.15am on Sunday morning at Place de Canada in Bernieres I have nothing concrete in mind. I'll email the centre to check! Cheers, Ryan
I have received an email with this link - http://www.junobeach.org/Centre/english/events/60th.html Which does not help unless you are a Veteran / family or appear to be a dignitary or TV crew. I have asked for further clarification on this as I do not want to attend the official Government Ceremony at Juno in the morning, simply visit in the afternoon I guess we'll wait and see... Ryan
I have had further communication with Juno Beach Centre regarding non Canadian Veteran and non dignitary visitors. The person I was dealing with has spoken with the person in charge of security for June 6th at the Juno Beach Centre, and unfortunately, at this point in time, it is not certain what restrictions will be in place in the afternoon for visitors whom are not Canadian. More news towards the end of May Ryan
