Normandy (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
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TRAVEL
ALL travelers are required to submit these following forms:
Q. Where do I direct questions regarding registration, flights or payment issues?
A. Please contact Historic Programs Registrar, Cherish Walser, cherish@historicprograms.org
Q. Do I need a passport?
A. NOW is the time to obtain your US Passport. Your passport should valid at least 6 months after traveling to France. Check your local offices for US Passport website.
Q. Why do I need to submit my passport information on the Travel Questionnaire?
A. In order to be compliant with security regulations in Europe, our group hotels, motor coach operators, and other service providers require passport information prior to arrival. Many who have traveled to Europe may have experienced having hotels make a copy of their passport upon arrival. Collecting the information ahead of time makes everything run smoothly upon arrival. Just like with the airlines, who require a valid passport for travel to Europe, our group service providers require knowing who is using their services.
Q. Do you suggest using travel insurance?
A. Travel insurance is NOT included as part of the trip fee. Insurance is a personal choice you make to safeguard your trip investment. There are several reputable companies to choose from, so please research and use a company that best suits your need. Recommended by TexasExes.
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USI Travel Insurance Services
"Because we have had a relationship with the company for many years, and we know that they are conscientious and capable of resolving claims quickly and efficiently, we endorse tri-level SELECT USI Travel Insurance." TexasExes
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TravelEx Insurance
This is a current sponsor of Historic Programs many participants use each year for their travel insurance to Normandy.
Q. Do you suggest obtaining any medical travel insurance?
A. Medical insurance is NOT included as part of the trip fee. Medical travel insurance is similar to trip insurance and is a choice for you to make.
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HTH Travel Insurance is an example to use. Please research and use the company you feel best suits your needs
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Q. What is the trip cancellation policy?
A. Historic Programs Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations and requests for refunds must be made in writing and are effective on the date received by the D-Day Memorial Parade Committee, 7255 E. Hampton Ave Ste 127, Mesa AZ 85209-3381. Cancellation charges are figured on the full tour price per person, and will be as follows:
From Signup until December 15, 2017 = $250 per person
From December 16, 2017- February 3, 2019 = $511.75 double occupancy, $661.75 single occupancy (25% of the tour cost)
February 4, 2019 = $1023.50 double occupancy, $1,323.50 single occupancy (50% of the tour cost)
April 5, 2019 = $1,535.25 double occupancy, $1,985.25 single occupancy (75% of the tour cost)
May 5, 2019 - June 4, 2019 = no refund allowed (100% of the tour cost)
Q. How will we be returning to the airport on June 11 for departures.
A. Historic Programs will be arranging for bus shuttles to the airport on June 11 for departures. More details once we arrive in France.
If you need to arrange your own shuttle to the airport for personal travel outside the group arrangements, you'll be on your own to do so.
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MUSIC AND REHEARSALS AND WHO CAN PLAY
Q. What music will we play?
A. We've been provided a list from ceremony officials to play the National anthems for Canada, France, Great Britain and the U.S. In addition, there will be Ceremonial music to include: Ruffles and Flourishes (Honors); Hail to the Chief; Amazing Grace; The Longest Day March.
Parade music to perform: March Grandioso; March of the Longhorns; (potentially Longest Day if needed); Occasional music will include this list If we're able to schedule public concerts, we'll include our UT traditionals: Deep in the Heart of Texas; Calypso; Wabash Cannonball; Texas Fight; The Eyes of Texas.
Q. When are rehearsals scheduled?
A. Dr Hanna has scheduled two rehearsals scheduled for Saturday, April 13th and Saturday, May 4th in Austin at the Longhorn Band Hall. We are also working on having these 2 rehearsals via online live streaming video. More details to come.
Q. Will we be shipping large instruments and percussion?
A. Yes, please review the updates page for complete details on shipping.
Q. Are we taking big flags?
A. Yes.
Q. Will non-LHAB members be allowed to play?
A. Special exceptions could be made, but only with the approval of the Steering Committee chair and Dr Hanna.
UNIFORMS
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Q. When can I pick up my uniform?
A. We will distribute uniforms prior to rehearsals on April 13 and May 4. If you are unable to grab your uniform in Austin, make sure we have your correct mailing address. Please be advised that if you are within a reasonable distance to Austin/Dallas or Houston, we'll ask you to coordinate with someone to help you get your uniform. We'll also have some alternate dates between rehearsals for uniform pickup.
Q. What does our LHAB uniform look like for Normandy?
A. The Uniform Committee was tasked with the job of designing a uniform to honor our Veterans and our Longhorn identity. We considered both functionality and overall appearance. We chose the jacket instead of our traditional vests for both reasons. Also, we are designing Normandy patches for the sleeve and front of the jacket. They look great!
We will be on the worldwide stage with media present from all parts of the globe. Our appearance is expected to be of the highest standard.
Stetsons – New or use your Stetson from London trip
Note: Tuba section will wear white baseball-style caps with official D-Day event patch.
Orange Jacket (Longhorn logo and Script Texas on the front, Military-styled custom LHAB/Normandy patch on one sleeve and 48 Star American Flag on the other sleeve)
Orange Dress Shirt (Longhorn logo)
Orange Polo Shirt (Longhorn logo)
In addition to the above items you purchased, you MUST BRING THE FOLLOWING:
White Collared Shirt (To wear under Jacket); Black slacks or pants (NO YOGA PANTS); Black Socks; Black Shoes
Q. Why a jacket in June?
A. Temperatures in Normandy in June historically range from Low 50’s to Hi 60’s with an average rainfall of 0.12 inches. The lightweight jacket we have chosen is designed more for wind and rain protection than warmth. NOTE: You may recall General Eisenhower had some issues with weather in the region.
Q. Why two different orange shirts?
A. We have multiple performances while in France, including Normandy and also in Paris. Laundry facilities may not be available at our hotels. Having 1 long sleeve and 1 short sleeve shirt will give us options for the different venues. Orange shirts will be a good look with our black pants. When our performance venues have been finalized, we will send out a detailed uniform layout for each event so members will know which orange shirt will be worn at that event.
Q. Can I use my Stetson from London?
A. Yes, if it’s in good condition. If you need to order a new hat, it will match the hat from London.
Q. What will we wear for performances in Normandy?
A. Normandy cemetery performances, we will wear Stetson/Tuba Hat, Jacket, White Shirt, Black Pants, Black Socks, Black Shoes.
A. The Parade attire is Stetson/Tuba Hat, orange dress shirt, black pants, black socks, black shoes. Keep your jacket handy for use if needed.
A. Our performance in Paris will be more casual, with Stetson/Tuba hat, orange polo shirt, black pants, black socks, black shoes. Again, keep your Jacket close by if needed.
Q. Can I use and wear my Jacket from London?
A. No. The London jacket cannot be replicated. New jackets will be needed so we all will match. If you want to bring your old jacket to wear during unofficial events, please do so.
Q. Do those traveling with me need to buy any uniforms?
A. No, but they are encouraged to wear UT orange coordinating clothing if they wish.
Q. What if I have more questions about the uniform?
A. Please email your questions to gregw817@aol.com
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INSTRUMENTS / EQUIPMENT
For a full detailed explanation of equipment/instrument information, please review this page: HERE
Q. How will LHAB be handling instrument and equipment shipments?
A. From the onset of agreeing to this trip, the steering committee agreed that an equipment fee would be expensed to all travelers to help cover the enormous cost of shipping large instruments and equipment to France. The committee felt it was the only fair process to evenly spread the fee to everyone because without the band attending this event, we wouldn't be shipping these items. This was also the process when LHAB attended the London NYD Parade event in 2014-2015.
We have contracted and arranged for equipment & instrument shipping with a well qualified international shipper, ShockWave. Each traveler is being expensed an equal charge of $100/per person and the total shipment fee is spread across all travelers, not just performers. The $100 instrument shipping fee per person will need to be paid no later than April 30, 2019. This fee will appear on your MyTour Account within the next 5-10 days.
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ALL INSTRUMENTS MUST BE PROPERLY TAGGED AND LABELED WITH A STURDY SHIPPING TAG WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION PER AIRLINE SHIPPING GUIDELINES: NAME / ADDRESS / CITY-STATE-ZIP / PHONE / EMAIL.
Q. How will we handle once in France?
A. Historic Programs is working with all the bands attending to coordinate instrument and equipment logistics in France and they are working in concert with LHAB organizers.
Q. What about instrument damage en route or return to/from France?
A. Airline liability for loss and damage are set by law, and it won't be enough to replace your valuable instrument. You may need to pay for a supplemental policy.
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Some important notes regarding personal instrument shipping:
Most airlines have baggage limitations on international flights. If you are planning on checking your personal instrument with your bags, please double check with your carrier to be certain you comply with their policies. If you have a flight arranged by Historic Programs, please check with Cherish Walser.
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Q. Will we need music stands in France?
A. NO - performances will be standing or marching performances and music stands will not be used on the cemetery grounds, so do not bring.
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FAMILY AND GUESTS
Q. How will family and guests travel with the band during performances?
A. We will all travel together as a group to all events and while the band is performing, guests will be ushered and
accompanied by Historic Programs personnel.
Q. I'm wanting to attend the playing opportunity, but had a few questions about attending family.
My wife is not a member of LHAB and wants to ensure they are clear about where the families of marchers/performers are supposed to be in order to watch and meet back up with the band members. Will there be designated spots and guides for our non-performing family members during performances?
A. Our tour managers will be clear on where and when to meet for all sites and following the parade. The parade is in the small village of St. Mere Eglise. Even though there will be big crowds on the day of the parade, the town is less than one mile from the north to the south village limit, and the parade route is even shorter than that. The performances at the Normandy Cemetery, Brittany Cemetery and in Paris will also be very clear.
Q. This trip has numerous playing opportunities and I want to be sure that accompanying family doesn't have to fend for themselves in the crowds.
A. Where to be and when will be clearly communicated by our tour managers, but frankly, it will be pretty obvious once you arrive at the various performance sites. Band members, family members, and guests who are part of the group will all arrive at the sites together and will leave together.
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