Reconstructed American military camp at Sainte-Marie-du-Mont during
the D-Day 70th Anniversary commemoration, 2014
© Sheron Long

Preserving Great Moments in History

The Normandy Invasion on June 6, 1944, did no less than alter the course of the world. Seventy years later, the world still comes to the Normandy landing beaches to honor what the Allies accomplished in WWII, one of the great moments in history.

Of course, the occasion deserves the internationally-televised speeches by world leaders. But this year I chose to visit village commemorations, the ones that speak volumes about respect among ordinary people.

French villagers bedeck their homes with flags and ribbons for the festivities.
© Sheron Long

These village festivities, including the reconstructed American military camp in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, made me question if the merriment was suitable for the occasion. But the surprising cultural encounters I had there proved me wrong, leading to several “Oh, I see” moments.

More American than an American

With so much American memorabilia, from the tents to the uniforms to the vintage vehicles and supplies, I was sure the US government had staged the reconstruction . . . until the “soldiers” began to speak—in French!

Men, who look like American soldiers, are French re-enactors.
© Sheron Long

Such cultural encounters are a disconnect—American to the eye, French to the ear.  But, the duality stems from the fascination that most people have with great moments in history and from the passionate respect that the French have for the Allies who liberated their country.

So great is their passion that they bring a meticulous approach to recapturing the authentic life of the Allied military camps.

Everyday items, like those in this reconstructed army camp kitchen,
are passionately sought out by militaria collectors.
© Sheron Long

I strolled through the camp to a Glen Miller tune, taking in the American icons that were everywhere. Though the cartoon character of Betty Boop began as a French poodle and quickly morphed into the curvaceous woman she is today, it was the US soldiers in WWII who introduced her to France.

Betty Boop, America’s first animated sex symbol, appeared in 1930
and was still going strong in WWII.
© Sheron Long

Giving back, it was the French re-enactors from dedicated historical organizations who made sure Betty graced the table in the kitchen of this American army camp. The cultural exchange was complete.

American for a Day

Visitors to the reconstructed military camp got into the scene, too, dressing up as an admired American persona.

This man sports the mohawk worn by 13 paratroopers in the 101st Airborne Division on D-Day.  Known as the “Filthy Thirteen,” these paratroopers were among the first to be dropped behind enemy lines with instructions to destroy key bridges and take no prisoners.

This Frenchman chose to impersonate a “Filthy Thirteen” paratrooper.
Only four of the original thirteen survived the war.
© Sheron Long

On July 14, 1944, only 38 days after D-Day, 49 women in the Women’s Army Corps (WACs) landed in Normandy and took over the switchboards left behind by the Germans. So, naturally, the WACs appeared in the American military camp at the 70th Anniversary commemoration, too. These visitors look the part, both military and civilian.

Even visitors to the reconstructed army camp came in period dress.
© Sheron Long

Military Vehicles for Posterity

When the Allies and the Germans moved through France, they left tons of military vehicles and equipment behind. Taken in by the French, the items have been passed from generation to generation or bought and sold in the many military antique fairs.

On the occasion of a military camp re-enactment, the vehicles arrive en masse much like a car meet in the US.

Now appearing in shows and parades, Jeeps and other vehicles
were instrumental after D-Day in the Allied advancement across northern France to Berlin.
© Sheron Long

With these privately-owned vehicles, the pride of ownership shows. But I learn from this cultural encounter that, for the owners, there’s something more—the responsibility to preserve the history related to the world’s greatest accomplishments.

Heavy cargo trucks, like this one, clogged the roads as they delivered supplies to the front lines.
© Sheron Long

Not all the military vehicles at the reconstructed camp were American, and one important one was not even of the period.

A post-war Soviet motorcycle based on German technology from the WWII period
© Sheron Long

By now, I was used to speaking French with men in US uniforms. But when I used French to ask this man about his motorcycle, I didn’t get through. Finally, in English, he explained his story.

Born in East Germany, his father fought for the Germans in WWII. After the war, he returned home to his family in East Germany where this motorcycle became a common sight associated with how the Russians arrested citizens and kept them hostage.

Free now, the man I met cherishes his ownership of the motorcycle. He brought it to Normandy for the D-Day commemoration as a symbol of his freedom. He says:

“The Allies freed my father from Hitler and me from the Communists.”

This cultural encounter with an East German man in a US paratrooper uniform at a French re-enactment of an American military camp confirmed that celebratory festivities were, in fact, appropriate for the occasion. Certainly, freedom is cause for merriment.

Celebrate freedom!
© Sheron Long

D-Day events continue through 2014. For details, visit DDay-Overlord.com and the 70th-normandy.com. The Military Vehicle Preservation Association publishes dates for military vehicle meet-ups in the US. 

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