On a bright afternoon in late spring, elderly World War II veterans, many reliant on wheelchairs or canes for support, gathered alongside President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other dignitaries to honor a momentous day that reshaped the course of history.
Standing on the revered grounds where fallen comrades rest beneath the soil of Normandy, they paid tribute to the fallen and commemorated the events of June 6, 1944, forever etched in history as D-Day.
“You want to understand the cost of freedom? Come here to Normandy,” remarked Biden, who, at 81 years old, was just a toddler when the D-Day landings occurred.
Eighty years ago, approximately 160,000 troops from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and other allies descended upon the shores of Normandy to liberate Nazi-occupied France through air, land, and sea maneuvers.
The ensuing battles were fierce, and the losses were staggering, with over 4,400 Allied troops laying down their lives. However, the unparalleled display of unified military strength heralded the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany’s dominance over Europe.
“The significance of D-Day and its impact cannot be overstated,” remarked Charles Djou, secretary of the American Battle Monuments Commission, which oversees 24 American military cemeteries abroad. “The fate of the world hinged on that day. Our success on D-Day has shaped America, the West, and the world.”
The valor of those who participated in D-Day “preserved freedom,” affirmed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “You rescued the world. Now, it’s our duty to defend it,” he added. “Gentlemen, we salute you.”
Among the veterans attending the 80th-anniversary ceremonies in France were those who had been among the first to land and fight on that fateful day. A crowd estimated at 10,000 to 12,000, including military leaders, members of Congress, and French Parliament, gathered at the Normandy American Cemetery for the solemn occasion.
As a gentle ocean breeze wafted across the cemetery, gently fluttering American and French flags adorning the graves of nearly 9,400 American soldiers, sunlight illuminated the white marble crosses and Stars of David marking each burial site.
Prior to the ceremony, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden met with veterans at a gazebo overlooking Omaha Beach, where many soldiers landed 80 years ago. Biden paid his respects, saluting each veteran, capturing photos, and presenting them with a commemorative coin.
During the ceremony, Macron awarded the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, to 11 American and one British veteran in recognition of their sacrifice. Macron pinned the medal on each recipient’s lapel and offered a gentle kiss on each cheek.
In his address, Biden drew parallels between the courage displayed by Allied troops during World War II and the collective defense of Ukraine against Russian aggression today. He urged present generations to honor the legacy of those who fought on D-Day by meeting the challenges of their time with similar resolve and unity.
While the ceremonies held profound symbolism, they also served as a poignant reminder that for many veterans, this would likely be their final commemoration. With the youngest World War II veterans now in their mid-90s and many surpassing 100 years old, their numbers dwindle with each passing day.
Of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II, only a fraction—less than 1%—remain alive today. They are departing at a rate of 131 per day, underscoring the urgency of honoring their sacrifices while they are still among us.
Some veterans expressed a sense of duty in attending the ceremonies, while others sought to revisit the hallowed grounds where so many comrades had made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
“I’m not one for sentimentality,” remarked John Gleeson, a 100-year-old Army Air Corps veteran from Honolulu. “But there are things that need to be done.”
Les Schrenk, a centenarian veteran from Bloomington, Minnesota, reflected on his personal connection to D-Day, a chapter of his life that has shaped his identity for decades. As a former Army Air Corps gunner, he survived being shot down over enemy territory and taken as a prisoner of war.
For Schrenk, D-Day is not merely a historic event but a deeply personal narrative that he has carried with him throughout his life. It is a story of resilience, sacrifice, and unexpected bonds forged in the crucible of war.
As he recalled his encounter with the German pilot who spared his life, Schrenk offered a poignant reminder of the humanity that transcends the battlefield. In the midst of conflict, amidst the chaos and carnage, moments of compassion and mercy endure, reaffirming our shared humanity even in the darkest of times.