World leaders and veterans commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in France

The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, has taken on special significance this year as the world commemorates this key turning point in World War II while war continues to rage in Ukraine. Veterans and world leaders have gathered to pay tribute to the more than 150,000 Allied soldiers who arrived by sea and air on June 6, 1944, to drive out the forces of Nazi Germany.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the courage and determination shown in the pursuit of freedom and democracy, drawing parallels between the Allies defending Europe’s freedom then and Ukrainians doing so now. With Russia, the aggressor in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, not invited to the ceremonies, the message of unity and resilience was clear.

As the number of living veterans from that historic day dwindles, this year’s ceremonies are likely to be the last significant ones honoring them in their presence. Among the veterans participating is 101-year-old Bob Gibson, who vividly remembers the horrors of landing on Utah Beach.

World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made on D-Day and the need to continue standing up for democracy in the face of current threats. The ceremonies served as a poignant reminder of the price paid for freedom and the ongoing struggle for peace in a world still marred by conflict.