U.S. Passports In France

At a French airport... A group of American retired teachers recently went
to France on a tour. Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, was part
of the tour group.

At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport in his
carry-on. "You have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs Officer
asked sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France previously. "Then you
should know enough to have your passport ready."

The American said, " The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."

"Impossible!" barked the officer. "Americans always have to show their
passports on arrival in France ." The American senior gave the Frenchman a
long hard look. Then he quietly explained. "Well, when I came ashore at
Omaha Beach on D-Day in '44 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find
any Frenchmen to show it to."