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player ready...Thousands of visitors are expected in northern France next year to mark the 50th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. As early as this spring, French tourism officials reported that accommodations near the landing beaches-and hotels for miles beyond-had been fully booked, particularly on and around Monday, June 6, 1994.
Travel agencies, tour operators and other travel industry sources hold many of those reservations and offer package tours at a wide range of prices, not only on and around the anniversary date itself but other times of year. A few cruise lines have announced plans to anchor near major Normandy ports.
The most elaborate ceremonies, of course, take place on June 6, when current leaders of the World War II Allies will gather on the landing beaches and in the military cemeteries to honor veterans living and dead. The exact form those ceremonies will take had not been determined by press time, but preliminary schedules make it clear that 50th anniversary events will be held regularly throughout Normandy during the spring and summer of 1994.
Huge crowds of officials, veterans, media and spectators will gather on June 6. Those who can content themselves with watching the major activities on television would be well advised to tour the region before and after the main activities.
A limited number of free rooms for veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy have been made available in the homes of volunteer host families. The Association Debarquement et Bataille de Normandie 1944 (ADBN 44) is handling the arrangements. The association has struck a commemorative medal for D-Day/Battle of Normandy veterans or their survivors. Medals will be presented in person only, during ceremonies to be announced. For details write ADBN 44, Abbaye-aux-Dames, Place Reine Mathilde, BP 311, 14015 Caen Cedex, France.
A U.S. organization, the Battle of Normandy Foundation, has been coordinating events and travel arrangements. With a $40 contribution, American veterans or their families may have the name of a D-Day/Battle of Normandy combatant engraved on an honorary wall near the Memorial: A Museum for Peace in Caen.
The Battle of Normandy Foundation invites inquiries from the public about any aspect of the 50th anniversary, including travel arrangements. Write The Battle of Normandy Foundation, 1730 Rhode Island Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Or call 800-WW2-VETS (800-992-8387).
The French Government Tourist Office in Chicago is at 645 N. Michigan Ave., 60611; 312-337-6301.