US World War II veterans return to Normandy to mark 78th anniversary of D-Day
U.S. veterans of World War II, many in their mid-90s, touched down
Thursday in Normandy, France, as part of the upcoming 78th anniversary
of the D-Day landings. This is the first time some of the veterans have
returned to France since the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.
U.S. veterans of World War II touched down Thursday in Normandy, France, as part of the upcoming 78th
anniversary of the D-Day landings. The former soldiers, many of them in
their mid-90s, arrived on a Delta Air Lines nonstop flight from Atlanta
to Deauville Airport, the first time a U.S. passenger airline has flown
there nonstop.
“Delta is privileged to have played our part in bringing these brave
veterans back to Northern France with members of their families for this
special week of remembrance," said Bob Somers, Delta's S.V.P. of Global
Sales. "We are very proud of our partnership with Best Defense
Foundation. Their philosophy of taking care of those who took care of us
is wholeheartedly shared by Delta and our employees."
This is the first time some of the veterans have returned to France
since the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, which marked a significant
turning point for the Allies in World War II.
In partnership with community partner Best Defense Foundation, the
World War II veterans, accompanied by veterans from Delta and Michelin,
were greeted by local dignitaries at a special welcome event that opened
a week-long program of remembrance to mark the D-Day landings.
“We're honored to welcome back U.S. veterans to our beautiful coastal
town," said Phillipe Augier, mayor of Deauville and first V.P. of the
Syndicat Mixte of Deauville Normandy Airport. "This place holds deeply
personal memories of their time here, and we are forever grateful to
them.”
Sophie Gaugain, V.P. of the Normandy region, noted the critical role
the veterans played "has a special place in French hearts and in our
region's history. It is the resting place for the many servicemen who
laid down their lives for our future, and we are honored to welcome them
back to our region today.”
U.S. Ambassador Denise Campbell Bauer echoed that sentiment: "They
played a critical role in ensuring that the bonds that bind our nations
together and our common desire for freedom - even through turbulent
times - remain stronger than ever.”
During their stay, a number of the veterans will receive the French
Légion d'honneur, the highest French order of merit. Other official
commemoration events include parades in the towns of Sainte-Mère-Église
and Carentan and a commemorative parachute jump at La Fière. This
once-in-a-lifetime trip is supported by Delta Air Lines and Michelin, as
part of a shared long-standing commitment to veterans. Michelin, the
leading mobility company, will be sponsoring two dining receptions for
the veterans.
“Three generations have grown up since the landings took place," said
Donnie Edwards, founder and president of the Best Defense Foundation.
"Yet, 78 years on, today is just as important as the first anniversary.
We thank these veterans for their service, and the freedom for which
they fought."
