President Trump delivered remarks for the 75th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday, honoring veterans who fought in Normandy, referring to them as the “pride of our nation.”
"We are gathered here on freedom's altar," he said at the commemorative event near Omaha beach.
"Today we remember those who fell and we honor all who fought right here in Normandy. They won back this ground for civilization ... You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live. You are the pride of our nation."
Pres. Trump to veterans at event commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day: "You are the pride of our nation, you are the glory of our republic, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts." https://t.co/vpw4mzOyce pic.twitter.com/rp3PogBwrT
— ABC News (@ABC) June 6, 2019
"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts," he added, including fighters from allied nations.
Trump singled out some veterans, including Private Pickett, taking a moment to tell their stories.
“Today, believe it or not, he has returned to these shores to be with his comrades. Private Pickett, you honor us all with you presence," said Trump, who then walked over to give him a hug.
Pres Trump also honors Russell Pickett, last known survivor of the legendary Company A on D-Day. "Private Pickett, you honor us all with your presence," says @POTUS, giving the veteran a hug. pic.twitter.com/6sXAl3Wwj9
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) June 6, 2019
"Today, America embraces the French people, and thanks you for honoring our beloved dead," he continued. "To all of our friends and partners, our cherished alliance was forged in the heat of battle, tested in the trials of war, and proven in the blessings of peace. Our bond is unbreakable."
Of U.S. troops, Trump said “they were fathers who would never meet their infant sons and daughters, because they had a job to do -- and with God as their witness, they were going to get it done."
"Our cherished alliance was forged in the heat of battle, tested in the trials of war and proven in the blessings of peace," President Trump says at the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
— New Day (@NewDay) June 6, 2019
"Our bond is unbreakable.” https://t.co/oa6Kpx8xL6 pic.twitter.com/H84RKLthOi
The president then discussed the legacy U.S. troops left after the war.
"They came here and saved freedom, and then they went home and showed us all what freedom is all about," he said.
"In the decades that followed, America defeated communism, secured civil rights ... and then kept on pushing to new frontiers," Trump added.
"And today, America is stronger than ever before," he said, noting that in taking down Hitler, troops "left a legacy that will live not only for a thousand years, but for all time."
Heading over to Normandy to celebrate some of the bravest that ever lived. We are eternally grateful! #DDay75thAnniversary #DDay75 pic.twitter.com/rg15c32Gow
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2019
#DDay75thAnniversary #DDay75 pic.twitter.com/BwfVEt7gTG
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 6, 2019