Departure from ATL

After disembarking from their buses and going through the TSA security checkpoint at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the WWII veterans were greeted by rousing applause from onlookers and performances from The Dutchtown High School Band, joining for the fourth year in a row. The veterans joined the band for a parade through Concourse F, with customers and airport employees cheering them on and reaching out to shake the hands of these real-life heroes. 

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Normandy legacy flight 2026: Departure from ATL

Following a visit from the Delta Honor Guard and a special water cannon salute, DL9994 to Deauville, Normandy departed from ATL at 10pm with veterans, students, Delta customers and partners in tow, complete with an all-veteran pilot crew and tenured flight attendants with a passion for the mission. 

With all the veterans settled into their Delta One seats, the night began with a toast to the men’s service, sacrifice and to the journey ahead. Next stop, Normandy!