and screaming. you realise, my goodness, these young men are placing their lives on the line. i can see france, the outline of france and hear these shells. it made me realise we were in a war. it wasn t an exercise or rehearsal or training we were there and anything can happen and i was scared. many veterans have now crossed the channel to attend tomorrow s commemorative events at the british normandy memorial in ver sur mer. poignant and powerful, a chance for all of us to remember and say thank you. tim muffett, bbc news. it really is going to be a very special couple of days. dame helen mirren will host the ceremony here