Bush marks US Memorial Day in Normandy

US President George Bush is observing today's American holiday Memorial Day with a visit to Normandy, the scene of the D-Day landings 58 years ago.

Mr Bush will speak to citizens of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first town in France to be liberated by US troops.

He will also give a speech at the Normandy American Cemetery in nearby Colleville-sur-Mer.

The cemetery is home to the graves of 9,387 men and women killed in the war. From his helicopter, he will look down at the beaches used in the June 1944 D-Day invasion.

"Memorial Day in my country is a day to honour those who have sacrificed for freedom, given their lives," President Bush said in Paris ahead of the visit. "Many died in France, and I'm looking forward to the moment to share my country's appreciation."