For months they have been dreaming of this trip, and for weeks they have been feverishly planning it. They reviewed the maps of Normandy, pinpointed the sites to be visited or revisited. And then they prepared their suitcases, folding their uniforms, arranging their medals and preparing the medecines that are part of their daily routine. Their friends and family say that this is what they live for, and fear that some kind of incident – a fall, an illness – might upset their plans. Because nothing should stop them from making this ultimate journey. For some, June 6, 1944, is the most important date in their lives. And so they have every reason to take part in the ceremonies marking the 80^th anniversary of D-Day. What's more, according to the Mission Libération responsible for coordinating commemorative events in France with the Elysée Palace, at least 25 heads of state and government will be taking part in the celebrations, "but the real VIPs will be the veterans. They will be the stars!"

Some have never returned to France. Others have already made the pilgrimage, but no longer believed such a journey was possible at their advanced age. England, of course, is not far away, and the ferry enables Britons to come by car. But what about San Francisco, Miami, Memphis, Las Vegas or Toronto?

A handful of organizations and volunteers went to great lengths to pull off the improbable, even the "unheard of:" The journey to France of 250 centenarians and near-centenarians, all ardent and willing and determined to commemorate Operation Overlord, the offensive that shattered the Atlantic Wall and led to the fall of the Third Reich. Two hundred and fifty centenarians in wheelchairs for the convenience of the journey but determined to rise when the national anthems sound. Two hundred and fifty centenarians who will be celebrated by crowds lining the roads of Normandy and cheered on by cohorts of children.

"You can't imagine the welcome they'll receive," said an enthusiastic Fabienne Manteca, principal of the Charles-Letot secondary school in Bayeux, which will be hosting a group of Americans. "Over 700 children are going to treat them like heroes: It's going to be an extraordinary day!" This includes a choir, guard of honor, photos, flags, class discussions and standing ovations. "The veterans will plant a tree of peace and have lunch in the cafeteria with our students serving. They are working like never before on their English, planning gifts and writing poems. They want to know all about these brave old men who were only a few years older than them when they put their lives on the line to defend freedom. It's an incredible opportunity for our adolescents: Right from the start, they establish a link to history." Betty Rosevear, a former US Army nurse who lives in California, was looking forward to hearing "Happy Birthday" sung by French children celebrating her 103^rd birthday. Unfortunately, she has now had to cancel her trip for health reasons.

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