Biden and Allies Commemorate 80th Anniversary of D-Day in France with U.S. WWII Veterans Meeting

President Biden and key U.S. allies gathered in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, a pivotal moment in World War II history. The invasion, led by U.S.-led allied forces, marked the beginning of the end of Nazi occupation in France and ultimately led to the defeat of Adolf Hitler’s forces in Europe.

Joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President Biden honored the bravery of the 73,000 Americans who landed on Utah and Omaha beaches on June 6, 1944. The president met with WWII veterans, presenting them with coins to commemorate their sacrifice and thanking them for their service.

The D-Day operation, codenamed OVERLORD, involved five naval assault divisions, 7,000 ships, and over 195,000 naval personnel. More than 130,000 troops from the U.S., Great Britain, and their allies landed on the shores of Normandy, contributing to the defeat of the German Nazi forces.

President Biden planned to deliver a speech highlighting the heroes who scaled the Point du Hoc cliffs 80 years ago and emphasizing the importance of democracy and unity in the face of isolationism. The president is also set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and engage in discussions with Macron on various global issues.

The visit to Normandy holds significant historical and diplomatic importance, as it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II and the enduring bonds between the U.S. and its allies. President Biden’s presence at the commemoration ceremonies underscores the commitment to honoring the past and working towards a peaceful future.