Charter of Good Conduct for Collectors and Historical Re-enactors

Alongside the traditional vehicles for passing on the history of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Normandy, collectors’ associations and historical re-enactors are involved in preserving and exhibiting historical military heritage, maintaining and sharing the memory of the Second World War, expressing gratitude owed to the liberators and paying tribute to the victims of this key period.

For the sake of the visitors who attend these events and of the many collectors and re-enactors who take part in Normandy-based celebrations to commemorate the events of 6 June 1944 and the Battle of Normandy – whether they are part of an association or on their own – it appears to be necessary to set out, in a single text and besides the applicable regulations, certain rules of conduct and dress codes. Compliance with the aforementioned rules and codes will ensure that this kind of initiative.

Article 1 – Subject:

This charter helps ensure that the spirit of the place and the memory of the soldiers who came to liberate Europe are upheld, but also to specify the precautions that all collectors and re-enactors must try to take during the historical events or exhibitions they take part in.

Besides the legal provisions in force, collectors and re-enactors – whether they are part of an association or on their own – must follow this charter and any guidelines and rules specific to the location hosting the event or exhibition considered, when it is a public one.

Organisers of celebrations commemorating these events, whether they are heads of associations or independent individuals, and who have signed the charter, are obligated to ensure that the charter is properly enforced at the event they are organising.

All signatories to this charter are individually responsible for the proper implementation of its provisions in the context of re-enactment and exhibition activities they are responsible for.

Article 2 – Honouring the ‘Spirit of the Place’:

Normandy is the symbol of the sacrifice made by the Allies – young soldiers who came from sky and sea to liberate the land from the Nazi yoke and restore humanist values and democratic principles in France and in Europe. Collectors and re-enactors help preserve the memory of these events.

Everyone must strive to do so with the utmost respect for history, the combatants, and the victims, and adopt an attitude befitting the occasion.

In no way does celebrating these historic days aim to glorify the war. It is inconceivable that the military alone should be the sole symbol of historical events or exhibitions. Honouring memory is a vector of humanism. It conveys a message of peace, friendship between peoples, democracy and freedom, in the name of civilian and military victims who paid the price for these values through bloodshed.

Article 3 – Declaration of Historical Events and Exhibitions:

Heads of associations and/or re-enactment organisers must contact the town hall where the event is to be held to notify their presence. They must also submit a signed copy of this charter to the said town hall, confirming their intention to comply with all its provisions.

The prefecture of the department concerned, and the D-Day landing committee, are informed of the event. When making their declaration, the heads of associations or independent individuals must hold explicit authorisation from the owner of the place where the re-enactment is to be staged.

The conditions for organising the event, i.e.:

• the type of event,
• the units represented,
• the authorised dates and times,
• the venue and
• the number of participants

must be defined in consultation with the local council concerned and be outlined in a written document. This document must be presented upon request of the police authority.

Re-enactment of battle scenes must be notified in advance to the prefecture or subprefectureconcerned and must not, under any circumstances, take place near war memorials and military cemeteries.

Other than at the aforementioned events, wearing uniforms and carrying weapons will not be tolerated. Any offences committed may be prosecuted by the judicial authorities, in accordance with the provisions of the French Criminal Code.

Article 4 – Conduct:

All re-enactors are required to behave in a dignified and exemplary manner at all times in front of the public. At no time will behaviour or actions that might cause concern to the public be tolerated.

Any action, speech, writing or behaviour that does not comply with the spirit of the place and authorised events may be subject to administrative sanctions or legal actions.

Re-enactors should be proud to represent the liberators that they portray. They must adopt a dignified and respectful attitude during commemorative ceremonies in which they may take part, at the request of the town halls concerned or the organisers.

It is strictly forbidden to salute while national or military anthems are played, or during official ceremonies.

Except in exceptional circumstances, it is required to hold the ‘position of attention’, in a unit or individually, remaining silent during ceremonies and without handling weapons in any way.

Other than at the aforementioned events, wearing uniforms and carrying weapons will not be tolerated. Any offences committed may be prosecuted by the judicial authorities, in accordance with the provisions of the French Criminal Code.

The re-enactment group must be supervised at all times; the president of the association or the head of the group, designated by name to the public authorities, is responsible for the good conduct of the members and for ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with the prior declaration referred to in article 3 of this text.

Article 5 – Dress Code:

Collectors and re-enactors are reminded that when wearing a military uniform, the wearer must honour the uniform and behave with respect and modesty in all circumstances.

The person in charge of the event is responsible for checking each item of clothing for compliance and historical accuracy. Historical military uniforms may only be worn during specific periods (days and times) defined with public authorities.

In the presence of a public, wearing of uniforms and attributes that may create a risk of disturbing public order because of the historical events they may recall is generally forbidden. However, by way of derogation, when it is authorised by the town council or organisations concerned during a specific event (re-enactment of a historical scene, for example), it is imperative to ensure that wearing such uniform or attribute is strictly limited to the location and duration of the event in question.

Following the event, the extras are required to change into civilian clothes immediately. It should be reminded that the unlawful wearing of official decorations is prohibited in accordance with the provisions of the French Criminal Code. The same applies to foreign decorations.

Article 6 – Weapons:

Weapons presented at exhibitions and historical re-enactments must comply with the current French legislation on the possession and use of weapons and with the type of weaponry supplied in regulation for the period depicted.

Each exhibitor or participant must be able to provide, at any time, the deactivation certificates for the weapons and equipment in their possession.

Article 7 – Vehicles:

The appearance of classic military vehicles presented to the public as part of a static display, parade or re-enactment must also reflect historical reality, be as faithful as possible to the period depicted and comply with current legislation.

Any person responsible for supervising the event may refuse access to a venue to any classic vehicle which clearly deviates from this historical requirement, and which has failed to meet the specific requirements set by the organiser.

The convoying of classic military vehicles on the roads must comply with the French Highway Code and must be notified in advance to the prefect.

Any unauthorised convoy may be stopped or diverted onto a side road by the police.

All tracked vehicles on the road are subject to the use of safety equipment.

Article 8 – Signing the Charter:

Signing the charter does not exempt you from making a declaration or requesting authorisation from the administrative authorities.

Generally speaking, signing this charter commits the signatory (association, group of collectors or independent re-enactors) to abide by all the values set out in this text.

More specifically, for each public event falling within the scope of this document, the organising association must sign the charter, thereby confirming its commitment to complying with all requirements and guidelines.

Once signed, the charter is sent to the D-Day landing Committee, which is responsible for its safekeeping.