It's understandable that bitter memories exist. At some point, people must put the past behind them in order to move forward.
Right, the message conveyed is that the German troops somehow weren't responsible for their leaders' actions. They were "victims, too," in other words.
If Germany and France had sided with America during the buildup to the American invasion of Iraq, I would view this whole thing very differently. However, it seems that Germany's current leadership in particular hasn't learned how to stand tall for the world order established after its defeat. That is what America is doing in Iraq.
Even Japan has learned more than Chirac has about defending the freedoms its people gained after America defeated Hirohito's forces. This D-day we can celebrate the joint deployment of Japanese and American forces for the first time. That is a true measure of victory, not some hollow German apology. Let's hope that the German people demand better of their leaders in the future. The war on terror is only going to get more difficult in the years to come. It'll be even harder for the faint of heart to accept. When Germany and France both join us in crushing terrorism and opposing Chinese military ambitions, then we will welcome their efforts to let bygones be bygones in future D-day rememberances.
But all the ensuing dialog over this "gesture" is sure to have a positive impact.
It was very, very out of place.
I think of it as being akin to making a Red Sox fan attend a celebration of NY Yankees playoff wins.
The French and the Germans for the most part got along quite amicably from 40-45. I see them as just getting back to normal today.
The French and Germans do everything together these days. Happily reminiscing about France's surrender, rape and plundering for four years at the hands of Germany is something both would expectedly celebrate.
After the D-Day ceremony, I'm sure those cuddly two had to be hosed down.