A group of 60 veterans, aged between 96 and 107 years old, departed from Dallas on Friday for France to participate in the 80th anniversary of D-Day. These brave individuals are being flown by American Airlines first to Paris as part of several groups of veterans being sent to France for the commemoration.
Upon arriving in France, the group will take part in a variety of activities, including a wreath-laying ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, and participation in a daily ceremony honoring fallen French service members known as le Ravivage de la Flamme at the Arc de triomphe.
Following their time in Paris, the group will travel to the Normandy region for events that include wreath-laying ceremonies on Omaha and Utah Beaches. On June 6th, 1944, almost 160,000 Allied troops landed at Normandy in a massive amphibious operation aimed at breaking through heavily fortified German defenses and beginning the liberation of Western Europe. A total of 4,414 Allied troops were killed on D-Day, with over 5,000 wounded.
Among those traveling from Dallas are six Medal of Honor recipients from wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam who want to pay tribute to World War II veterans. The group also includes two Rosie the Riveters representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war. Hundreds of thousands of military women from Allied nations also played crucial noncombat roles during World War II. Various ceremonies are planned in France to commemorate the day and thank veterans for their sacrifices despite advanced age and physical difficulties. Philippe Étienne emphasized that it is crucial never to forget nor express gratitude towards these brave individuals who have made significant contributions towards freedom and democracy we enjoy today.
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