World War II buffs are re-living the assault on the beaches of Normandy -- quite literally.

As they bring the battle back to present day, veterans who were part of the Allied troops in 1944 are honored for the past.

They're given a small token of gratitude for their sacrifice 70 years ago.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH VETERAN HENRI JAMES NEWMAN SAYING :

"I like to come here, it is nearly my home. Yes, it is nearly my home anyway. I come to this people, they look after me like a king. I could not get better, I could not get better."

It's a stark contrast to the mood of 1944.

That year on June 7th, Herbert Beddows and his comrades were sent to attack the German Merville Gun Battery.

It ended in a bloodbath and half the commandos lost their lives.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH COMMANDO WHO LANDED ON D-DAY, HERBERT BEDDOWS, SAYING:

"We still think of our comrades we lost here and different places nearby and we just enjoy it. And there'