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Visit delta.comDelta, Best Defense Foundation return WWII veterans to Normandy for 79th D-Day anniversary
For the second consecutive year, Delta had the distinguished honor of flying more than 40 World War II veterans on a charter flight to Normandy, France, for the 79th annual commemoration of the 1944 D-Day invasion.
This program, operated in partnership with community partner Best Defense Foundation and with support from Michelin, underscores Delta’s longstanding commitment to and support of veterans.
Last June, for the inaugural year of this endeavor, a Delta Charter flight touched down in Deauville, France – a first for a U.S. passenger airline – to return WWII veterans to the site for D-Day commemorations. On May 31, the historic charter once again departed to return WWII Veterans to the beaches of Normandy for the 79th anniversary of D-Day.
Delta provided additional support to the WWII veterans for this year’s trip, with several employees – who are part of the airline’s Veteran Business Resource Group – receiving special training through the Best Defense Foundation to serve as primary care providers. This training included dedicated time for employees to build friendship and trust with their assigned veteran prior to the journey. Each volunteer is paired with a veteran individually to ensure they can provide the best support throughout the duration of the trip.
“We’re honored to work alongside the Best Defense Foundation to support our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “The Delta team will display their world-class service excellence for our heroes traveling on this milestone journey, which is a true representation of our values. I’m grateful for the many members of the Delta team who are dedicating their time and passion for this endeavor.”
On Tuesday evening, the Best Defense Foundation hosted a kickoff dinner sponsored by Delta to honor and celebrate the veterans attending this year’s program. The evening featured remarks from Delta CEO Ed Bastian, Delta Connection SVP Jim Graham, Best Defense Foundation Founder Donnie Edwards, Michelin’s CEO of North America Alexis Garcin and Consul General of France Anne-Laure Desjonqueres.
“It is an honor to provide these heroes the opportunity to be reunited with the people of Normandy and to participate in the 79th Anniversary of D-Day. Through the power of corporate partnerships like Delta Air Lines and Michelin, and thanks to Delta’s direct charter flight to Deauville, Best Defense Foundation is able to return many more WWII veterans and to add an educational component this year in including young students on our program. I am also very grateful to our team of over 80 volunteers including 13 of Delta finest Veterans. We are privileged to be able to serve our Greatest Generation once again and to be part of history in doing so.”
Ahead of the departure, a gate event was held to honor the veterans before the boarding process. An airport processional followed the veterans as they prepared for boarding. The Dutchtown High School marching band, also traveling to Normandy to play during the D-Day Commemoration, treated the veterans to a special performance followed by an honor guard ceremony.
