Here is the perfect example. June 6, 2009 - the 65th anniversary of D-Day. Yes, the Americans were the major players in the D-Day invasion, but we were far from alone. British and Canadians also took part - and took beaches - as the Allies began their liberation of Europe.
It is one thing to exclude the Germans from the celebrations as Germany was the enemy in 1944. But to exclude the British head of state from these celebrations is in a word: rude! Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh are veterans of the second World War. Britain played a major role in the liberation of France, and France's response: a raspberry.
Shame on France. Shame on Sarkozy. Ribbit.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1188528/ROBERT-HARDMAN-This-insult-Queen--living-head-state-actually-served-war.html
Update: Sarkozy now admits no invite for Queen, but tries to wiggle out of it by saying the Queen was "naturally welcome."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/theroyalfamily/5393626/France-admits-not-inviting-the-Queen-to-65th-D-Day-anniversary.html
another view
http://timescorrespondents.typepad.com/charles_bremner/2009/05/sarkozy-upsets-british-with-obama-dday-visit.html
Strange, very strange.
ReplyDeleteIt's in Le Figaro today, so it must be true...
ReplyDeleteAn image of the shallow inculture of our Time, perhaps?
Very few Australians took part in D-Day, and most were serving with British units. The Australians played a more important role in the Pacific war.
ReplyDeleteThe 200 something comments in Le Figaro were understandably furious and Le Figaro linked to a blog which talked snidely of "Obama Beach"...
ReplyDeleteIf Mr Sarkosy thinks he will catch the limelight on this, I think he is mistaken.