The European Reenactors Paying Tribute to D-Day Veterans at Normandy

NORMANDY, France -- Even some 80 years after the end of World War II, American veterans of the war still receive a level of exuberant reverence usually reserved for pop stars, famous athletes and world leaders. Crowds part for them like Moses parting the Red Sea, marked by spontaneous bursts of jubilant applause. Whether they fought at Normandy or not is irrelevant; the French, along with many other European civilians, can't show enough gratitude.

Visiting the area around the anniversary of the D-Day invasion on June 6 is like stepping back in time. In the days leading up to that date, thousands flock to the Cotentin Peninsula and Normandy Coast to pay their respects. The small, winding roads between the infamous hedgerows fill up with original, fully restored Jeeps, Deuce-and-a-Half Trucks and even the occasional M3 Half-Track, driven by men and women wearing World War II replica -- and in some cases, original -- uniforms.

These aren't just adults playing dress-up, showing off what they saw in a movie to look cool. Their uniforms are meticulously researched, historically accurate replicas, on which the wearer spends thousands of dollars, euros or pounds. It's their way of saying "thank you" to the surviving men and women who liberated them eight decades ago -- and for the veterans who have already passed, it's a way to keep their memories alive.

"It's an obligation of memory," Fred de Maria, a reenactor who wears the uniform of the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, told Military.com. "It's about respect, and we want to give children a reason to remember."

"The French love to reenact because it's a part of history, and it's more striking to see us in real life than to read about it in a book," said Lawrence de Maria, Fred's brother, who also wears the insignia of the 1st Infantry Division. "It allows us to explain to people the outfits and all the equipment soldiers wore during the landings and transmit this knowledge to future generations so they never forget what the Allies of all nationalities came here to do."

"All nationalities" is a key phrase. The de Maria brothers walk around Omaha Beach, in the Fox Green sector where the 16th Infantry Regiment landed. Near Utah Beach, French civilian Fred Morlet brought one of his five fully restored 1942 Jeeps all the way from his home in Reims to show visitors what they would have looked like shortly after the amphibious invasion commenced.

"My grandfather bought them after the war to use in the fields of his farm," Morlet said. "But the French remember. I restored them to restore the memory of the Americans. It weighs on my conscience after three generations. America was our liberator, and we will never forget that."

At Normandy, convoys of Jeeps and 12-ton trucks were often greeted by friendly waves and smiles from residents. As visitors make their way toward Gold, Juno and Sword beaches, the American reenactors are replaced by British and Canadian uniforms, reflecting each area of responsibility. But the vibe also changes.

"Utah and Omaha are very much up for a party," Peter Hamblin of Somerset, England, told Military.com. "If you want a party, you come to the American sector and show your respect. At the other beaches, the atmosphere is more reverence and commemoration."

Hamblin has driven his 1942 Jeep all the way from his home to Normandy to be a part of the festivities for the past three years. He echoed Fred Morlet's sentiments about the French memory of their American liberators.

"They're really appreciative because they were liberated from the German jackboot," Hamblin said. "In the UK, you don't get much of that feeling, but in France, it's completely different for them."

A trio of English reenactors have been coming to Normandy for D-Day commemorations every year for the past decade. Mark Illingworth comes from Halifax while brothers Adrian "Johnny Utah" Smith and Eddie Smith come across the English Channel from Leeds. They all brought their Jeeps and personal collections of World War II memorabilia.

"The Jeeps alone cost about £25,000," Adrian Smith told Military.com. "The kits, we started out our reenacting career with replica kits, but slowly we're changing everything to [the] original, authentic kit. The basic outfit is around £500. We've spent thousands on our kit."

The trio keep their authentic items safely tucked away, for the most part. But they are happy to share what they bring to Normandy with interested passersby. They, like many others, come as part of a larger group of reenactors. Their historical group camped out on Utah Beach when they weren't busy bringing history alive, which is a visual treat for both visitors and locals.

"When you see the French people, they absolutely adore seeing us," said Smith. "The seniors remember being liberated by the Americans and they remember American soldiers. They love seeing us come back and make us feel a part of the unique togetherness that happens over the anniversary period. And when you see veterans? They're always pleased to see us."

"It puts a lump in your throat when you meet them," Illingworth added.

Want to Learn More About Military Life?

Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.