COMMEMORATING 60^TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

Speech by Serge Bellanger, President of the French-American Chamber of Commerce, as spokesman of the French business community, at a ceremony commemorating the 60^th Anniversary of D-Day at the French Embassy.

Washington, June 3, 2004

  Ladies and gentlemen:

I am honored to be part of this event. 

The 60th anniversary of D-Day is an historical moment of great consequence, and it has elicited a great deal of reflection on both sides of the Atlantic through radio shows, documentaries and press coverage.

This has been stimulated here in Washington a few days ago by the opening of the World War Two Memorial.

In addition, last week Time Magazine’s cover story was entitled, “D-Day: Why It Matters 60 Years Later.”    

D-Day will live forever in the hearts and minds of people in the U.S., in France, and throughout Europe. Time Magazine last week called it, “The most complicated attack ever conceived.” 

Let us hope that there is never a need to surpass it in scale or ferocity.

It is fitting that the U.S. and France have chosen to commemorate this event by bringing together this distinguished group of veterans. 

Tom Brokaw of NBC News has published a book called “The Greatest Generation” about the men and women who lived through World War Two. 

I don’t think the title is an exaggeration. You have performed a noble feat for the world in holding back tyranny. 

The well-deserved reputation you have won for yourselves and your comrades in arms was aptly described by Shakespeare in his play, Henry V:

“He that outlives this day and comes safe home,

Will stand a tip-toe when this day is named.”

I suspect a small part of the audience this afternoon regards your achievements as noble but somewhat abstract -- something they have read about in history books. 

That is not the case for me. I grew up in Normandy in a small village, not too far away from the landing beaches. 

Although I was a small boy, I was well aware there was a war going on.  And in early June, 60 years ago, I heard airplanes flying overhead and bombs going off. I knew the Allies had landed near my home, and I would soon see American soldiers passing through the back roads.

I will never forget what I saw.

This first war experience, coupled with memories from my French Air Force service in Algeria prompted me to become a co-founder of a U.S. foundation to help finance the museum of World War Two located in Caen, near the Normandy beaches.

In a few hours, this group of one hundred World War Two veterans will embark on another historic mission, one decidedly more comfortable, but just as noble in its own way.

You have been chosen to represent a great generation and a great fighting force. 

You honor us by providing an opportunity to reflect on your accomplishments and to thank you for them.

Let me at this point also express my appreciation to those who helped provide the resources for this journey: Air France, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, the American Society of the French Legion of Honor, the Association of Foreign Trade Advisors of France and many other donors (corporations, associations and individuals).

I would like to recognize particularly BNP Paribas North America, Crédit Industriel et Commercial, IMV International Corporation, L’Oréal, Natexis Banques Populaires, and Thales.

All of our donors can take great pride in playing an important role in ensuring that this year D-Day is commemorated in a memorable manner.

This 60^th anniversary celebration occurs at an important moment in the long history of French-American relations. 

These two great countries have been allies for more than 200 years. From time to time they have taken different views on important issues. 

This is one of those times. 

But thankfully there are already clear indications that our nations are coming back together. 

This D-Day anniversary is a valuable reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together.

Recalling the exploits of this group of distinguished veterans should encourage the U.S. and France to intensify efforts to cement our alliance.

But today is not the time to comment on contemporary issues.  Rather the spotlight must be focused on a historic moment some 60 years ago, when you were all young men and women. 

You saw your duty and you did it.  You performed with valor, and you have been heroes ever since.  May you continue to go from strength to strength.  

As you embark on a special journey, you should know that you depart with the best wishes of the entire French community. 

We are proud to have helped make this journey possible.  And we are even more proud of what you have done for France, for America, and for the world. 

Bon voyage.

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