Gavin Mortimer Gavin Mortimer

The political appropriation of D-Day

Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with British veteran Jack Kuinn during the 79th anniversary of the D-Day landings (Credit: Getty images)

If there is one place to avoid this week it is Normandy. The global elite are in town to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Along with as many as 25 world leaders there will be upwards of 12,000 of their security staff invading this normally sleepy part of Northern France. In addition, 43,000 gendarmes, police and military personnel will be deployed on land, sea and in the air. A restricted traffic zone will be place throughout the region, and residents are being advised to stay at home on Thursday and Friday. Some schools will be closed on those days because of the disruption.

The Normandy American Cemetery, resting place of 9,388 Americans who were killed on 6 June 1944 and in the subsequent days and weeks of fighting, will be closed to the public on Wednesday and Thursday this week. That will be a disappointment to relatives wanting to pay their respects to their fallen family members. The

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in