President Joe Biden and world leaders are gathered in Normandy, France, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day when allied forces carried out the one of the greatest operations in military history, beginning the liberation of German-occupied France. But the real stars of the show are the remaining World War II vets—their numbers dwindling by the day.
According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 200 World War II vets die each day, making this year’s 80th commemoration likely the last anniversary with a large group of veterans present.
Video and photos shared on social media from the celebratory events show them receiving the hero's welcome they deserve.
Welcome to France, heroes. pic.twitter.com/q6HFecv9xX
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 4, 2024
This has to be the longest standing ovation for anyone or anything I have ever witnessed.
— Jack Carr (@JackCarrUSA) June 5, 2024
4000 high school students in Normandy, France standing to honor our World War II veterans.
This area in northern France has not forgotten the events of 80 years ago.
Honored and humbled… pic.twitter.com/RdZqhzpuyH
At the ceremony at Normandy, celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and welcoming the heroes of the Greatest Generation.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 6, 2024
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4OGdDM2Oe8
The brave service members who fought on D-Day represent the Greatest Generation in our history.
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 6, 2024
Together, they stood to oppose the forces of fascism, volunteered to lay down their lives for our liberty, and answered freedom’s call at its hour of greatest need.
And today, on… pic.twitter.com/th69CCsnQf
Join me as I deliver remarks from Normandy, France on the 80th anniversary of D-Day – honoring all those who bravely served and sacrificed for our liberty and prosperity. https://t.co/fFOgA817fq
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 6, 2024
“There’s a debt, a debt that we can’t possibly repay to those who came here in defense of freedom”: @SecBlinken tells @TonyDokoupil what the sacrifices of those troops who stormed the Normandy beaches 80 years ago on D-Day mean to him and to “international order.” pic.twitter.com/yh0vrVRe63
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) June 6, 2024
Stop what you're doing and watch/listen to this reading of 'The Watch' for all WWII veterans.
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) June 6, 2024
Goosebumps.
How can this not leave you with tears in your eyes. #DDay #DDay80 pic.twitter.com/rrReozDoHt
A fitting tribute to those who fought for our freedom 80 years ago. #DDay80 pic.twitter.com/7uCNe5NAjY
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) June 6, 2024
Ensemble pour ne jamais oublier. pic.twitter.com/Gz95npRkuL
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 5, 2024
President Macron commemorating the American heroes who gave their lives, 80 years ago today, to liberate France.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) June 6, 2024
🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/f7oV59l66b
We are forever indebted to our World War II veterans—and especially now, as we mark 80 years since D-Day and the start of the Allied liberation of France from Nazi occupation.
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) June 6, 2024
Our World War II veterans saved the free world.
We must merely defend it. pic.twitter.com/38tOoBjppf
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