John S.
Google
I want to start by saying that the ABMC does exemplary work. This is in no means a reflection of them as an organisation, or any criticism to this place of honor. I purely just want voice an unfavorable experience had in hopes that it can be avoided in the future.
While traveling with my family in France (coming from America) the Brittany cemetery fortunately fell into our travel plans. We had picked a day to visit the Normandy area and focus on the World War II history here. The next day we were travelling to Mont-Saint-Michel and planned to visit Brittany on the way back. Our stay at the island went a little longer than anticipated, so I attempted to call the Brittany cemetery to inquire on their final entry hours. We had wanted to visit three specific graves and did not plan to keep the staff longer. However, every time I called I was sent to a voicemail that said “we are expecting a higher volume of calls then normally and cannot complete your call”. With no way to contact the office, we set out to try and make the time before the cemeteries closing. Showing up just before closing, the gate was already shut with no one in sight. I completely understand that the timing of the arrival is not anyone’s fault but my own. However, being unable to reach the visitor center had us hopeful they would not close the gate early at least. We attempted to look over the wall to see if someone was still in the visitor center as the lights were on. However, one of the security officers shouted at us from across the road in French. He then thanked us when we stepped away and went back in. This interaction was extremely disheartening. I understand that most of the visitors are locals to the area, but there was absolutely zero attempt to find out who we were. I cannot imagine if we had a relative buried here how it would come across to not be asked about. On top of being unable to reach anyone on the phone. Today was our last day in France, so I can’t imagine we will be able to come back here for a long while. To reiterate, this is in no way meant to be a comment to discredit the ABMC. I have been deeply honored to visited several ABMC sights in the past and have never had any issues contacting the visitor center or being asked about by the staff. I would just like to use this comment to point out that not only was the office unreachable, but the staff (while understandably only spoke to us in French and were also in no ways rude or mean) made no attempt to figure out who we were.
