General Chat

Rita I saw those veterans in the rain while others (who had nothing to do with the war) were sheltered. I got worried for them as they are old and frail just hope they don't get flu. Just typical how we treat our military. They do all the fighting and others get in on the glory act.

I believe that Gordon Brown and the government said earlier this year that they only attend 10th anniversaries so no-one was going. It's the Prime Minister who arranges the Queens visit abroad. When he heard Obama was going he changed his mind.

As Churchill said (although about the RAF) never have so many owed so much to so few. God bless them all but for them we would have been speaking German now and certainly not be a multi racial country.

My dad called me today to say that there was a movie on called "Attack of the Iron Coast"
It is, as he says, "a tidied up version of the Raid on St. Nazaire"

My Great uncle Derek Aird was killed during the raid. His body was never recovered. He died age 24.

My Grandfather was killed September 1939 while serving aboard the HMS Courageous. One of the first ship casualties of the war. The ship was hit by a torpedo from U29. His body was never recovered. He was 28.

May we all remember the sacrifices these men and woman made for us.

Deb

I watched some of the programme yesterday afternoon, and was very moved by it all. Lovely to see those young people, the Cadets, take over from the Veterans to continue the visits and acknowledge the bravery of those who were there at the time.
I was disappointed to hear booing for Gordon Brown, it wasn't the place for such action, I felt. I was disgusted the Queen wasn't invited and not impressed with Charles, and fgs, why don't he (and his wife) update their hairstyles, couple of old fogies both of them!

May all those lost in the D Day action rest in peace and also those who have been paying their respects and now with their comrades again.

LIzx

Because Sackozy had invited Barak Obama and tryed to make out that Britian did not play a big part in the D-day landings, I feel very strong that our strong that the Queen is not there and that Gorden Brown was not strong enough to stand up for her and demand that she be there.

I was born after ther war, but my dad was in the fleet air arm and I am very proud of his war he was in the far east 1950-1952 so yes the head is very inportant to all of those men.
lynn

I agree that she should be there but, these commemorations have been held annually for many years. From about 1973 until his death my grandad attended every year.

I went in 1977 with my grandparents as part of the RM Commando association. It was an amazing experience and the French people made you feel very welcome. Most of the larger memorial services were attended by at least one French dignitary, there was never any sign of a UK representative apart from the veterans of our armed forces associations.

I've noticed over the years that, although these memorials/reunions have been going on, we only see media coverage on 5th and 10th anniversaries. The French people decorate their towns with bunting, have marching bands and usually round off the day with a party.

Where was a member of the royal family or politician on any of these other years?

Yes but my point is that the veterns wanted our Queen there, and has our head of sate she should have been there, I dont like Sarkozy if he comes to London again you might see my ginger head out shouting for him to go home.
lynn

Just wanted to add that I agree with you. I watched and cried as those veterans recalled the time they landed and those commrades that never returned. Bless them all I am very proud of them and sorry for all who fell

No one mentions Phillip-he was in the Navy during the War !!

I agree totally Linda.
Our Queen was also helping the war effort at the time, and has more right to be there with the veterans than other ministers,presidents etc.

Lest we forget those who died for us.
Mau

ps .....Brown is a wimp! Margaret Thatcher may have had faults but, she would definitely have fought for our Sovereign to be there.

Just been watching our veterns in France on Sky and its making me very angry that our Queen is not there, I felt very strong about it from when I frist heard about it, but when I saw these very brave old men who go back there most years I think she should have been there.

Brown should have been a man and stepped in and demanned that she go, I was pleased that Prince Charles went but then heard that he is not going to be there for the march pass this afternoon, shame on him.

May all all the men that died on that day R.I.P
lynn