Landing in Normandy

A hero’s welcome for WWII veterans as they land again in Normandy, France 

Delta flight 9994, carrying 27 World War II veterans, touched down midday Wednesday at the Deauville–Normandy Airport (DOL) after the 8-hour transatlantic journey that included a bird’s eye view of Omaha Beach just prior to landing. 

Upon their arrival, the World War II veterans were welcomed on the tarmac by First Lady of France, Brigitte Macron, the U.S. Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, local dignitaries and scores of children and residents who came out to the airport for the special occasion.  

U.S. servicemembers from across American bases joined their French counterparts as well, saluting the veterans as they were escorted to the standing-room-only terminal building. 

First Lady Macron, Delta’s own Virginie Durr and several others delivered moving remarks, thanking the veterans for their courage and sacrifice 82 years ago, while also acknowledging the importance of preserving the legacy of the 27 heroes—nearly all centenarians.  

“We are so glad to have you in Normandy. I would say make yourself at home, but you are already home,” said the Bertrand Deniaud, V.P. of the Normandy Region. 

Alan Kinder, who made his first Normandy Legacy Flight trip this year, remarked not only about the importance of passing on his experience to the next generation, but also shared his personal history flying Delta, recalling trips he took with the airline dating back to the 1950s when it was a small regional carrier.