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Return to Normandy: Veterans honored on 80th anniversary of D-Day invasion

June 6 marked the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings along the Normandy coast during World War II. This event, which ultimately led to the liberation of Europe, was commemorated with over 14,000 guests and 170 World War II veterans at the Normandy American Cemetery, with special appearances from U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron.

During this special commemoration, 13 veterans from Delta's program received the prestigious Legion of Honor, the highest French decoration and one of the most famous in the world to honor excellent military conduct. Each veteran received the honor from Macron himself, receiving a passionate embrace and kisses on both cheeks. Biden also shook each veteran's hand, thanking them for their service in the name of freedom.

Following the D-Day Commemoration Ceremony, the veterans gathered again for the Omaha Beach International Ceremony alongside 4,500 guests and 800 VIPs, including 25 world leaders such as Macron, Biden, Prince William of England and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The ceremony featured performances, a series of aircraft flyovers, the reading of letters written during the war, and a visit to Omaha Beach.