THERE appears to be a rumour which is giving the impression that the French people are reluctant to welcome back the Normandy Veterans to the remembrance services and events to take place this June. The rumour is not true.

I have a copy of the programme put out by the Normandie Mmoire 60-ime Anniversaire Association detailing the events, to which we, the veterans, their families and visitors are invited.

The programme, which is in English so we can be fully informed, lists "80 days of emotion and celebration".

An accompanying leaflet explains "400 commemorative events" at which "veterans will occupy a place of honour throughout".

In addition, there are 150 locations where veterans of the Normandy battles will be presented with a "Chest Badge" by the French people to commemorate their visit.

Each badge will be numbered and engraved with the name of each veteran. Arrangements have been made at 84 of the locations for Chest Badge presentations to be British. The other locations are for American, Polish, Belgian, Dutch etc, who were involved.

It is not true that the French do not want us to participate in the celebrations to remember D Day, June 6, 1944. They will welcome us with open arms and I shall be there.

D Bower,

Scarcroft Hill, York.

Updated: 10:07 Wednesday, February 25, 2004