it was very emotional and i am afraid that will probably be a bit emotional when we get there, to see the actual thing. we will rememberthem. as the ferry approached the french coastline, the engine slowed and the veterans paid tribute. so, a short, poignant, but highly symbolic ceremony as the reefs were thrown over the side of the ferry. the idea is to pay tribute to those who died before even reaching the french shores and beaches they had come here to liberate. and so to france and two full days of ceremonies and commemorations for those who can tell the story of what happened here eight years ago first—hand. the number may be dwindling, but their commitment today, as it was then, remains immense. john maguire, bbc news, normandy.