D-Day Air Tours

A message for 2010

First I would like to make mention of the number of clients who have become good friends since I started this business in 1997. Each time I greet a new client there is a meeting of minds, one side who has a desire to see and learn and another who likes to give and instruct. It is a perfect combination leading to many firm friendships; a bonding across the Atlantic as in 1944.

Once again, 2009 was a record year for takers of private tours of the historic D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy, France. It is remarkable that visitor numbers to the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy continue to increase notwithstanding the state of Western economies at present. 2009 was my busiest season since I started touring 14 years ago and 2010 shows no sign of slowing down.

The question must be asked why this should be so? Possibly because everyone has a natural curiosity to visit places which have relevance in their lives, or Nationalistic instinct. The D-Day Landing Beaches of Normandy admirably fills this role. June 6th 1944 witnessed a turning point in history when the largest ever invasion fleet assembled comprising Allied combatants sailed from Britain to engage the firmly entrenched German positions in Normandy, France. It was vital to overcome Hitler’s fascist forces and return Democracy into Europe, a theme often quoted in the world today as the battle for Freedom continues its two steps forward, one step back progress. As all schoolchildren know, this chapter was successfully concluded following Hitler’s suicide in Berlin at the end of April, 1945. Ten months of bloody and brave fighting had achieved the victory and all this started on the beaches and fields of Normandy.

Something has to be said for the loyalty and devotion of the American people to travel years later the thousands of miles from America to Europe to pay homage and tribute at these sites, and to the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen who fought there.

As a private guide I escort single travelers, family groups and groups of friends on one to four day tours, with an option to visit Le Mont St Michel as a break from the war-war theme. It is always a pleasure and a privilege for me to undertake tours, and whereas the sites remain the same, the people I take there are always different. The certainty of the discovery of historic achievement, dedication and bravery is evident at every turn in Normandy.

Today in 2009 and 2010 we have the credit crunch and economic uncertainty to contend. In 1944 it was guns and bullets and lives.

Michael Phillips
Managing Director
Perception Travel Co. Ltd.
England