Carentan in Normandy apologizes for not including the British flag in its D-Day 80th-anniversary decorations, citing a last-minute switch to fabric banners. The town clarifies it was an honest mistake and reaffirms its friendship with the UK.
A French town in Normandy has apologized for excluding the Union Jack from its D-Day 80th-anniversary decorations. Carentan, traditionally adorned with flags from all Allied countries, notably omitted the British flag this year, leading to backlash from British visitors and suggestions that Brexit played a role.
Sebastien Lesne, the town’s deputy mayor, clarified that the omission was due to the last-minute switch to fabric banners for environmental reasons, admitting it was “an honest mistake.” Lesne reaffirmed the town’s friendship with the UK, noting their twinning with Selby and the presence of British expatriates in the region.
Carentan will include the Union Jack in future displays and will commemorate British contributions during D-Day, including playing “God Save the King” at their official ceremony on June 2. The town has historical significance as it saw intense fighting following the Normandy Landings, liberated by the 101st Airborne Division.