World leaders and veterans gather to honor 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy | Global News

The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy was marked with solemn ceremonies and moving tributes to the veterans who took part in the historic invasion. With war raging in Ukraine, the commemoration held special significance as leaders warned against the dangers of isolationism and the far-right.

At the British ceremony in Ver-sur-Mer, veterans were applauded as they entered the event, their seats adorned with bright red poppies. Emotional letters from veterans were read out, expressing their memories and reflections on the harrowing events of D-Day.

British King Charles and Queen Camilla, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, attended the ceremony. Tom Jones performed a touching rendition of “I won’t crumble with you if you fall,” adding to the somber atmosphere of the event.

As the number of veterans dwindles, this may be the last major ceremony honoring their presence in Normandy. French President Macron presented a Legion d’Honneur award to a 103-year-old British naval service member who helped plan the landings, calling her “a hero in the shadows.”

World leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, paid tribute to the sacrifices made on D-Day. However, Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, was not invited to the ceremonies.

The day was filled with poignant moments, from reenactments of the landings to heartfelt speeches by leaders and veterans. As the world remembers the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought on D-Day, the message of unity and democracy resonates strongly in today’s turbulent times.