On Sunday, parachutists leaped from World War II-era planes into the skies over Normandy, marking the beginning of a week-long series of ceremonies to honor the rapidly dwindling generation of Allied troops who fought in the D-Day invasion 80 years ago. These events pay tribute to the soldiers who played a crucial role in liberating Europe from Nazi occupation.
The commemorations are taking place along the Normandy coastline, where soldiers from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations stormed ashore on June 6, 1944, under relentless enemy fire. Among those attending the ceremonies is 99-year-old Jack Foy, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. Foy and his fellow veterans traveled across the Atlantic to pay homage to their fallen comrades and participate in what may be their final opportunity to return to these historic battlefields.
In an emotional reenactment, three C-47 transport planes, including two that participated in the original D-Day operations, carried modern-day parachutists across the English Channel to their drop zone near Carentan-Les-Marais. Former British army paratrooper Neil Hamsler, 63, reflected on the profound connection to the past as he watched the southern England coastline disappear. “It really brought it home, the poignancy,” Hamsler said.
The significance of this year’s events is heightened by the advanced age of the surviving veterans, many of whom are in their late nineties and beyond. Organizers have acknowledged that this may be the last large-scale commemoration involving living D-Day participants. With the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, the remembrance ceremonies also underscore the enduring relevance of the veterans’ sacrifices in the fight against tyranny.
U.S. President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and British royals are among the dignitaries expected to attend. Notably absent will be Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was not invited due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Despite the absence of Russian leadership, some Russian representatives will attend to acknowledge the Soviet Union’s significant wartime contributions.
The commemorations include fireworks displays, parachute jumps, and solemn ceremonies designed to pass the baton of remembrance to future generations. As these veterans converge on Normandy, they continue to deliver a powerful message about the horrors of war and the importance of remembering the past.
Veterans like Don Graves, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Iwo Jima, stress the importance of educating younger generations about their experiences. “I want the younger people, the younger generation here to know what we did,” Graves said. The commitment to honoring these veterans is reflected in the extensive logistical efforts to ensure their comfort and participation in the events.
Expanded Coverage:
