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Obama steals march on Brown to mark 65 years since D-Day
Peter Allen26 Mar 2009
Barack Obama and Gordon Brown will attend this year's 65th anniversary commemorations of D-Day.
It will now be a major event to salute the heroes who stormed the Normandy beaches in 1944 at great cost, instead of the low-key ceremony which was originally planned.
President Obama will stand at Omaha Beach, where thousands of young Americans died on 6 June 1944. His plans were announced by the Elysée Palace in Paris, to the consternation of British officials who had not finalised Mr Brown's itinerary. Diplomats said the Prime Minister was planning to be at one of the British beaches, although organisers have yet to decide on the form of Britain's commemoration.
Mr Brown had initially not been expected to go to the numerous ceremonies in northern France but after a news-paper campaign he promised to be at the centre of the events.
Proudly announcing the visit of President Obama, Elysée spokesman Claude Guéant said relations between President Nicolas Sarkozy and his US counterpart "were absolutely excellent, very productive". "So President Obama is coming on June 6th for the commemoration of the Normandy landings. It will be a time when the presidents can have a long meeting."
Omaha was the codename for a five-mile long stretch of sand where about 3,000 Americans were killed or seriously wounded on D-Day. It was immortalised in a number of Second World War films including The Longest Day and Saving Private Ryan.
This year is particularly important because it will be the last time many American veterans who went ashore at Omaha will be able to attend a significant anniversary. Their average age is now 84.
Reader views (8)
Why has our Queen not been invited? England will be written out of history. She was the only one who was in uniform and alive in the war. None of the others were even born. Shame on France for not inviting her.
- Jean, Bedfordshire England, 27/05/2009 15:44
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It makes me sick how this Prime Minister simply jumps on the bandwagon. At first he didn't want to go, then when he finds out everyone else is going he changes his mind so he doesn't look left out. Can he not think for himself what is the right thing to do?
- Mark, Gibraltar, 27/05/2009 14:44
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Let’s not forget the debt that the free world owes to the USA and Russia; without those powerful nations and their fighting men; and the vast numbers that died fighting for all our freedoms; standing by our sides; we would all have ended up as Nazis under German control.
To the Terrorists still trying to tear the world apart; be thankful that you have the freedom, fought for by those you now want destroyed; you also owe the free world your basic human rights.
- Mickyinlondon, london, 27/05/2009 14:44
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Obama leads, our little puppy follows! Upto a week ago the UK was going to ignore this event now its a great spin opportunity for our great leader who cares more about Jade Goody than the soldiers he sends out to be killed or maimed.
- Dave, London England, 27/05/2009 14:44
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I sometimes wonder if Germany had won the 11nd ww where we would be today. Could be we would not be faced with the Islamic terrorist threat, nor the undemocratic rule from Brussels. Could be that we would have had British jobs for British workers--or maybe German workers...
- J Bell, Nottm, UK, 27/05/2009 14:44
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Crash, take a hint ... no one asked you to attend ANY of these events. Well done, Mr Obama!
- Marianne, SW France, 27/05/2009 14:44
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Last week he wasn't going to go - now when he hears Barak Obama is going he has changed his mind. Might this be yet another photo opportunity for you Gordon?
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 27/05/2009 14:44
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I doubt if Brown even knows what D-Day was,let alone that its 65th anniversary falls this year.
- Gordo, Birmingham.UK, 27/05/2009 14:44
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