WWII Veterans were welcomed to Utah Beach by the Mayor of Saint Marie du Mont. Andy Negra, who landed at Utah 80 years ago, thanked the crowds of French citizens for warmly welcoming him and his fellow Veterans back to Normandy. The friendship bonds forged between the French and the U.S. are deep as children dressed as soldiers clamored to meet their heroes. Following Andy’s speech, wreaths were laid in remembrance of the fallen.

Meanwhile, members of the Delta family had the honor of attending the wedding of 100-year-old WWII Veteran Harold Terens and his now-wife, 96-year-old Jeanne Swerlin. In addition to flying the couple to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Delta’s Virginie Durr helped coordinate the beautiful wedding.

The couple was married by Mayor Jean-Pierre Lhonneur in a chapel built in the 1600s, alongside their families. The couple was whisked away to Paris after an intimate reception for a state dinner with President Biden and Macron.

In the afternoon, the Veterans were cheered on by an estimated 35,000 as they participated in a parade through Carentan. Once again onlookers clamored to shake their hands, take a picture, and get an autograph.

Return to Normandy 2024 - Utah Beach and Wedding

On June 8, WWII Veterans were welcomed to Utah Beach by the Mayor of Saint Marie du Mont., and members of the Delta family had the honor of attending the wedding of 100-year-old WWII Veteran Harold Terens and his now-wife, 96-year-old Jeanne Swerlin.