VIERVILLE-SUR-MER, France — A group of British World War II enthusiasts were heading back to their vintage U.S. Army vehicles parked on a French beach when the sight of H. Smith Shumway brought them to a stop.

For the next 20 minutes, the 1st Infantry Division veteran regaled them with tales and recollections of what it was like on D-Day. Shumway’s family proudly stood by, beaming with approval as they checked out the men’s WWII uniforms, which featured 1st ID insignias.

“We like to be a moving exhibit for what you guys were doing,” Stephen Whitehouse said to the Normandy veteran. Whitehouse, who is from Somerset, England, and his squad are among the thousands of WWII wannabes who have descended on Normandy to commemorate the 60th anniversary of D-Day. On this weekend, in this part of northern France, guys in World War II garb — from boots to helmets — are everywhere.

While there are some Americans, the majority of re-enactors are Europeans. Whitehouse said he even has met some from as far away as Australia.

“Every boy plays soldier when they’re small,” said Peter Thomas, another member of the 1st ID memorial group.

The difference is that Thomas and the others, including his 19-year-old son, Andrew, have carried their fancy into adulthood. Much of what they wear or drive is authentic stuff, from the patches on their shoulders to the spare tires on the back of their jeeps.

“I’m really impressed with the effort they put into it,” said Army Pfc. Darin Jones, who is based in Hanau, Germany, and is helping with security during the commemorative ceremonies. “Not being American, it’s their way of showing their appreciation.”

However, some people wonder what the deal is, said Ted Fitzgerald, who is from Bristol, England, and part of Whitehouse’s group. Fitzgerald said the re-enactors sometimes get suspicious looks from people that seem to be saying: “Get a life.”

“I say, ‘Don’t knock it until you try it,’” Fitzgerald said as he stood on the grounds of the Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach. “We have good jobs. I own my own company. We’re not cowboys. We’re serious, but we’re not stupidly serious.”

Shumway, who now lives in St. Louis, lost his sight in the war when an anti-tank mine exploded near him. So while the 82-year-old couldn’t see the men in their period uniforms and vehicles, he didn’t seem the least bit bothered by the imitators.

“I think it’s wonderful for people to see what it was like back then,” Shumway said.

There are an estimated 6,500 WWII vehicles tooling around the Normandy countryside this weekend, according to Thomas, who came from Weymouth, England, for the festivities. Many of the “soldiers” and their families are camping out in designated fields.

Down the road from the cemetery, in the village of Vierville-sur-Mer, Carl-Henrik Pande-Rolfsen, a Norwegian, was kicking back after a long and eventful day of playing soldier.

The Norwegian and his cronies like to toss candy at the young French kids who line the road and wave to the “Americans.”

Asked if he’s crazy for coming all the way from Oslo to participate, Pande-Rolfsen cracked a smirk.

“Maybe, but we are harmless,” he said before his attention was diverted by “the enemy.”

“A German!” Pande-Rolfsen said, raising his voice as he pointed to a young man driving down the road in a vintage sidecar.

Then, rather than turning their weapons on the driver, they shot him a smile and a wave.

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