We are going to the beaches and just realized we scheduled it for D Day, June 6. I think it would be intersting, but are we silly to go then since the traffic and hoopla may be prohibitive?

As this is not a "special number" anniversary, I would imagine the crowds would be manageable. Personally, I would never pass up the chance to be there on the actual day!

I would hardly call the commemoration ceremonies "hoopla".

I think that June 6 would certainly be a special day to visit the Normandy beaches. We were there in 2004 for the 60th anniversary, and even with the intense security for that event and the consequent restrictions, it was worthwhile. As 64driver noted, this year is not a special anniversary, and it will be manageable.

Hi W,

There's going to be "hoopla" on D Day? Do yourself/everyone a favor and stay away on that memorable day.

I wish you guys would lighten up. You obviously don't know that there are several meanings of "hoopla" and I certainly did not mean "party atmosphere"...my dad was a WWII vet .......relax.

Wordsmith, if you're staying at a hotel in the area, ask the staff if they have some suggestions for driving route(s), timing of your plans for that day, etc. They would know more about June 6th activities than anyone on this board.

Enjoy your visit!

"I wish you guys would lighten up."

Sorry! I'm sure it will be a barrel of laughs.

We were in Normandy one year in September, visiting the ruins of the abbey of Jumieux. In the nearby village there was a special celebration commemerating the liberation of Normandy, with a special church service and a display of American military vehicles and equipment. Men and women--French--in U. S. uniforms were there to answer questions. It was absolutely wonderful, and I wouldn't miss a chance for other commemerations, small or large.

If you have the intiative...get up just before dawn, drive to Omaha beach, run out to the shorline and then run the beach and up the dunes. Then imagine you have 100 pounds on your back and guns firing from all directions. Our boys did that with DH when we were there in 2003. they will never forget it.

Thanks for your advice about the abbey and also the walk on the beach as a reenactment. I have wanted to visit these beaches for many years since my dad fought in 2 theaters in WWII and loved serving for his country.

"War" and "theater" don't go too well together either, sorry. We're talking about the real thing, not some fancy movie plot.
Watch your words a little when you are in Europe. Societies who have felt the impacts of war at their own doorstep have a different apporach towards all that madness and horror.

Gosh, guys, give the guy a break. He's referring to theatres of war, a very common term to denote different battle areas (the Pacific theatre, etc).

We went to Omaha beach on Memorial Day several years ago, and by chance timed our visit for the late afternoon. I'm glad we did, as the US and French presidents as well as great numbers of service personnel were leaving as we arrived. I think this was in 2004. I don't know if that was a particular anniversary or not. We noticed French families on the way, with American, Canadian, and French flags flying.

Our host at the chateau where we were staying, the Chateau de Bouceel, told us that the French people have "adopted" the graves of American service personnel in honor of their sacrifice. Every Memorial Day, they make a pilgrimage to lay flowers at the gravesite, and many have communicated with the American families of soldiers.

I think that it is wonderful to go, especially on that day. Perhaps there will be some special services. What a great tribute to your father and his service to our country.

Quokka, I guess you've never heard the reference to the European Theater of Operations. "Theater of Operations" was a term originally used by the U.S. Army in World War I.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Europea..._of_Operations

Isn't it in Imax yet?

While I was critical of the use of "hoopla" to describe the activities commemorating D-Day, wordsmith is perfectly justified in using "theater" to describe areas of operations in wartime. It's clear that quokka and kerouac are not aware of this standard military terminology.

I might also note to Iwan2go that 2004 was indeed a particular anniversary--it was the 60th anniversary of D-Day (6 June 1944).

Finally, I do hope that wordsmith decides to visit this year, and I'm sure that it will be a memorable visit.

Thanks to all of you---I would not miss it for the world as I read alot of history and it has been a dream of mine for years to see these beaches. My dad died 2 years ago and he was the finest man I have ever known---and serving in WWII was the highlight of his life.

Wordsmith, if you visit the American cemetery above Omaha Beach, go into the administrative building near the entrance. When we were there, visitors could write a message in a book. It was very moving to read things written by WWII veterans and/or their children.

Jean--thanks for the tip. Did not know that.

And...if you are at the American Cemetery as I am sure you will be...walk to the overlook of Omaha Beach. Its been kept in the same state as when the war ended. The other sections of Omaha beach are now public park areas. I was a little taken back to see children running, dogs playing, picinics and sunbathers on an area which I regard as hallowed ground. I mentioned this to our guide and he replied..."madam, it is because of your sacrifices that these people can play, run and enjoy their freedom" He is a retired British Army Col and was fantastic as a guide for our family. He also pointed out the area below the cemetery to show us that the area hasn't been totally 'modernized'.