Last modified on Sun 6 Jun 2021 05.39 EDT
Along the coast of Normandy the flags were out. The pipe-and-drum bands were touring the cemeteries and memorials commemorating the dead. The motley ranks of war re-enactors in their khaki wool uniforms sped through the narrow lanes in their vintage jeeps and trucks.
For the second year in a row, however, the veterans whose bravery on 6 June 1944 they were here to honour were missing.
Once again, the coronavirus has prevented British and other veterans from returning to relive, as they have in previous years, their longest day. On Sunday, 77 years on, most are aged over 95, and frail. Their numbers are of course dwindling.