AIBU to think there is something a bit 'wrong' about the D-Day commemorations

[KittyC4]

I really cannot put my finger on exactly what it is. However, there just seems to be something really wrong about the way the Normandy Landings are being commemorated.

I have utter respect for the veterans and I can share the sense of loss for all the people (military and civilians) who lost their lives on both sides. Yet, the whole public spectacle of the events seems to be at odds with theme of remembrance.

It could be that the context of Brexit, President Trump's visit and the Anglocentric focus of the events is making me interpret the events as a sad reflection of this country's obsession with past 'glories', but am I the only person to feel there is just something wrong about the way this event is being 'remembered'?

Personally, I think anything that helps keep the horror of war current has to be a good thing. It’s, or me, Essex about individual veterans and more about making history accessible to the next generation.

Sorry my iPad does shocking autocorrect and gremlins.
It’s, for me, not about individual veterans.......

How else would you expect it to be remembered?

It’s difficult to get the tone “right” with these events. For the WW1 centenary, I think it was great that the focus was on remembering the horrors of war rather than a jingoistic celebration. D Day is a different kettle of fish, I think, simply because there are people still alive who fought and remember it personally. FWIW, I think they got the commemoration right - it really seemed to be about honouring the veterans and remembering their fallen comrades; it brought home the personal stories and heroism rather than emphasising “Britain in its finest hour”. And given it probably is the last time there’ll be an event with servicemen present, I think it was right to mark the occasion on a grand scale.

And what do you suggest they do instead, deny it ever happened?
As long as veterans are still around, we will honor them.
Obsession with past glories?
Until a whole generation has to make the ultimate sacrifice, they will never understand the need to remember 'glory'.

Are you upset because Putin didn't get invited?
What is wrong with being anglocentric

I live in Normandy and I have no problem with the formal ceremonies and local commemorations. I loathe all the dressing-up and re-enactment stuff and find it quite offensive. We were in one of the cemeteries once and a group came in in "uniform" laughing and joking. It was so disrespectful.
There are many small graveyards round here where just a few soldiers are buried. They are lovingly looked after by locals and remembered every year.

In the words of veteran Harry Leslie Smith, "don't let my past be your future".

We need to raise awareness of right wing extremism more than ever right now, and this week's events have done that. I don't care if you didn't like the way they were conducted, all that matters in that respect is what our veterans wanted, and their feedback has been very positive.

If it bothers you don't watch. HTH.

Yes I think you are being unreasonable. But as we live in a free country, due to events like D day and the sacrifices made, you are free to express your opinion.
Perhaps think about that a little bit.

An excellent post Lindy2 and YABU in the extreme OP

It’s not about celebrating past glories it’s about paying respect to the many people who lost their lives

I have noted that there is a lot more talk now about brave heroes and the necessity of war since we started getting involved in more wars again. Also many many more remembrances, ceremonies etc which I guess are a form of pageantry legitimisation of war.

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, when the second world war was a lot fresher in a lot of people's minds, there was hardly any of this. Ofc we ourselves weren't off invading Iraq and Afghanistan back then so people didn't need to be told that war was a good thing - we didn't have any, so it was ok for us to think it was shit and that wasn't considered an unpatriotic stance.

@NoBaggyPants HLS also wrote at length about his disgust at modern politicians making capital out of what he lived through, as a young soldier, and refused to wear a poppy for this reason. Bit much to drag the poor guy's words out in support of such as we've seen this week, particularly as he's dead.

I must admit I did find the re- enactment stuff and jolly entertainments a bit off, but it probably reflects the fact that veterans are still with us and their way of dealing with events that were a mix of triumph and tragedy. The WW1 commemorations last year were more artistic and really lingered in my mind ( beach art and the groups of reenactors at stations etc.)

Does anyone else think that far right groups use events like this to glorify war rather than see it as a warning?

I think you’re right dishing. Even more reason to commemorate and hear the rl stories of what people went through so the idiots don’t take over the narrative

KittyC4! You are Vald Putin and ICMFP:!

Are you for real OP!

Give your entitled, naive and delusional head a wobble.

Here, have a few of these

My Grandad went over to Normandy on the landing craft and fought for our freedom also was shot so no theres nothing wrong with DDay celebrations at all some of us have/had relatives involved and the celebrations were very very emotional giving us a chance to show our respect

It does seem a bit OTT in parts, though I understand the importance of remembering the word wars as they recede further away.

I think some of it was just about making it a focus for Trump's visit to make him feel important and give him something to direct his attention at.

There was a great interview on R4 yesterday though with a woman who was at Bletchley Park. There aren't many of these people left now so we should hear from them while we can (those who want to take part).

Given where the D Day invasion launched, it's hard for there not to be some anglocentricity there.

D Day was a massive logistical and military operation, all done without the aid of the tech we have today. It should be marked. Hopefully in another 25 years we will be remembering it, and being thankful that we haven't had in Europe for a 100 years, thanks to the US bankrolling NATO.

You need to look to the past to see the mistakes made and what to do for the future. It isn't about past glories OP, far from it, but about 5 years of war, coming hard on the heels on what was supposed to be the war to end all wars. It's about remembering and acknowledging the sacrifices made and saying 'thank you' to those who put themselves in harms way to defend the UK.

My Grandad fought for your freedom to post OP and you've made me very angry

Yabu. I watched it all yesterday and I thought it was very well done.

Does anyone else think that far right groups use events like this to glorify war rather than see it as a warning? No. War is not glorious, as anyone who has served in HM Forces will tell you.