PLAYING FOR BAGUETTES: Juno Beach

Mindy presents the flags at Juno Beach.

After the vast and beautiful memorial setup by the Americans to remember and honour their war veterns, the Canadian effort at Juno Beach was a definete disapointment. The visitor center and memorial at Omaha Beach are free of charge to the public and a visitor can't help but be struck by the effort to remember those who gave for their country. The Canadian visitor center at Juno Beach in contrast charges an entrance fee and only operates at full capacity during the peak summer months. In fact, the visitor center would not even exist if it were not for the efforts of some veterns who came back to visit Normandy only to discover that no memorial existed! That's right, the Canadian visitor center has only been open for about five years and is the result of private citizens mobilizing to remember the Canadian effort during D-Day. Mindy and I felt compelled to pay the full price admission and even bought a couple of visitor guides to help support the foundation that runs the center. Hopefully one day, the Canadian government will find a little extra in a budget somewhere and support this worthwhile cause.

Given the circumstances, the Canadian memorial at Juno Beach does an excellent job in showing Canada's part in the war. The exhibits and media really make an impression and show just how much Canada sacrificed to liberate the French from the German army. You could literally spend a full day in the museum and there is a chance that you would not be able to take in all the information that is presented. This is a must see for all Canadians that come to Normandy.

The main exhibit hall shows Canada's involment not only in Normandy, but throughout Europe. It also recognizes the effort made back in Canada to support the troops.