Where to seat Russian president Vladimir Putin was the big question at the D-Day services.
Prince Charles recently compared him to Adolf Hitler, and the situation in Ukraine made US president Barack Obama or the Ukrainian president unlikely choices.
In the end it was New Zealand's Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae. Meanwhile, the Kiwi veterans were meeting the Queen.
Representing each of the Allied Forces, the veterans lined up on Sword Beach, but this time there was no battle to fight. Instead, Alan Davis from New Zealand and the others shook hands with the leader of their former foe, Germany.
But of the world leaders it was Mr Obama who got the loudest cheer, though not from everybody. There was no chance encounter with Mr Putin, but that was nothing a comedic split screen in the television coverage couldn't fix.
French organisers clearly decided Mr Mateparae was the safest option to sit next to the Russian president.
The Queen was also there, watching as blasts blazed across the beach and dancers re-enacted the landings.
But for nine Kiwi veterans who travelled there D-Day was not a show, it was reality - and this brought back those memories.
"You just remember your mates who are not here now," says Colin Kemp.
"I had a brother lost in the Air Force in 1942," says Allan Hunter. "I thought of him."
The Queen thanked them for their service.
"She was delightful," says Pen Moore. "She's a lovely lady."
"It was a real thrill for me," says Des Laurie. "I'm not going to have a shower for about a month!"
The people of France also lined the streets to show their gratitude. Simmy Mayou of the British Navy was especially happy to soak it all in.
"Veterans, yes, I agree, but we are ordinary people," he says.
This is likely to be the last big anniversary veterans can attend. For decades the veterans have returned to the same beaches to honour their fallen comrades, but this will be the last act of remembrance for the Normandy Veterans Association, which has now dropped to just 600 members around the world.
But while the services might finish, the rows of white crosses along the coastline means D-Day will be forever marked.
3 News
source: newshub archive
