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#1
20-06-04, 15:11
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Canadian Juno Beach Centre
I'd be interested in hearing comments regarding the Juno Beach Centre at Courseulles-sur-Mer from anyone who has visited it. After my visit on June 8, I certainly have some.
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#2
20-06-04, 15:17
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Bricks...
Pinky...
How many MLU bricks did you see...I think there was at least two that we ,the great unwashed ,contributed ,through JIF... Are we prominately displayed..??
__________________
Alex Blair :remember :support :drunk:
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#3
20-06-04, 15:27
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Re: Bruce
Praytell, don't keep us waiting, old boy....
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SUNRAY SENDS AND ENDS :remember :support
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#4
20-06-04, 16:27
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In good time, old man.
No, it is prudent that one listens to the tenor of community opine before one wadest into a critique of this shimering edifice on the beach.
I may, as a opening salvo, comment that there is no door large enough to allow entrance of a vehicle, so that none may ever be displayed. Oh, and the remarkable lack of anything to do with Canadians on D-Day. Compare with the French Caen Memorial, from which many elements were blatantly, if poorly, copied.
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#5
20-06-04, 18:13
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Bruce, I did not visit it - their flyer made me fear the worst as it displays a soldier wearing an American helmet....
H.
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#6
20-06-04, 19:03
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OK Bruce....
We didn't go, although we were in Corseulles. The thing is, I've seen a detailed video account of its contents and theme, and I was - frankly - disgusted. Funnily enough, I saw interviews with some Canadian D-Day vets shortly after I returned, which vindicated the impression that the Centre has damn-all to do with D-Day and everything to do with the Liberal Party's vision of a multicultural Canada. They weren't very pleased, and said so on camera.
I did meet Garth Webb on the street in Corseulles and was suitably deprecating, but I'm glad I didn't go to his Centre... it would simply have angered me. It's typical of what happens when our government muscles its way into something the public initially subscribes to in the absence of government interest. Call it the essence of "Politically Correct" in the place where it least belongs. That good enough for a start?
__________________
SUNRAY SENDS AND ENDS :remember :support
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#7
21-06-04, 04:27
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I was impressed but yet a little dissapointed. I really didn't understand the little movie. It reminded me of one of those artsy vignettes from Canadian Film Board that we used to have to suffer through. It was supposed to tell us something about Canada on D Day. Dirk Leegwater's comment after seeing it was that he liked the colours of the leaves in the scene of a cottage lake. At least he saw something good in it. Lots on multiculturism which didn't really have a place here. Good selection of artifacts even if some were wrong. The gift shop was a treasure of books on Canada and its part in D day. Spent $$$ (actually Euros) there! The railing to the roof is starting to rust in spots already
and the shiny cladding of the building seems rather thin and Dirk and I questioned how it would stand up to the weather here by the sea. It does give Canada a presence on Juno beach that we never had before and that has to be worth a lot. Would I go back to see any of it again? You betcha. Barry
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#8
22-06-04, 00:26
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Not me...
...once is enough, unless they change direction.
The cladding is titanium, chosen for durability given proximity to the sea. The fish scale thing remains a mystery. Overall shape symbolizes a maple leaf from the air...somewhat. Once inside, the pentagram room is symbolic of the Order of Canada (not many of those awarded in '39-'45) though another more develish connection came to mind. Then the film. Small room. Doors close behind you. Those ahead will not open until you have seen The Film. Minutes of silence as strangers shuffle about. Three walls begin showing oddly coloured lapping waves. Then disjointed flashing images of marching troops, gun flashes, but nothing seen long enough to be sure. Luckily, the hissing air sound at the end is nothing more than the doors opening to the wonders beyond. Canada in the 30's is first. Interactive play toy displays. Good for the youngsters. More display rooms, big on interactive (rotating cylinders where you can match a soldier's legs, a nurse's middle and a sailor's upper). Endless combinations to amuse. Shy on artifacts in favour of photo's and posters. Those presented were poorly labeled and seemed to be chosed by availability rather than relevance. Now, for the point. A long black room with a narrow glass case set in the left-hand wall. In it are half dozen items. A period civilian camera. A razor. A shattered helmet. I'm afraid my simple mind failed to grasp the universal message being presented. Move to the end where you pass into a magnificent round bright white room. You see pillars with testimonials printed on them from those who chose to emigrate to Canada. Now I get it! The darkness of WW2 and the sacrifices on D-day were for Canadian imigration! Pass through another door to the gift shop (yes, nice selection of books) and exit to have your picture taken by the modern sculpture of a wave-like thing with helmeted heads poking out. By way of contrast, not far away is the Caen Memorial. Like the Juno Beach Centre, it intends to make a point. You are horrified by war and what man can do to man, yet moved beyond words for the sacrifices made to set things right.
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#9
24-06-04, 19:25
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Re: Canadian Juno Beach Centre
Quote:
 Queen Elizabeth II in front of the Canadian Flag  Canadian veterans back to the beach  Mvg. Dirk
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