U.S. veterans find a warm welcome in Normandy 75 years after D-day
5 years, 7 months ago

U.S. veterans find a warm welcome in Normandy 75 years after D-day

LA Times  

In village after village along the winding roads of France’s Normandy coast, the flags were out Tuesday. “When veterans started coming back here years ago, local people used to turn out to hug and kiss them,” said resident Francine Duchemin Noyon, whose organization Normandy Chapters arranges exchange visits for veteran men and women who served in the area during World War II. “The feeling for the American and Allied troops here remains strong, very strong.” At the American cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach, where U.S. troops poured ashore on June 6, 1944, as part of the Allied forces’ D-day landings, the flag was at half-staff. Portraits of Normandy: U.S. veterans return 75 years after D-day » “We were too far out and the jeep sank. “It’s so interesting to hear them talk about what they did.” Classmates Anoukh Auvray, 15, Emma Picot, 15, and Baptiste Marie, 14, said the occasion was very emotional.

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History of this topic

World War II veteran, 100, weds 96-year-old bride near D-Day beach
7 months ago

World War II veteran, 100, weds 96-year-old bride near D-Day beach

Al Jazeera  

Harold Terens and Jeanne Swelin were later guests at a state dinner with French President Macron and US President Biden. But American World War II veteran Harold Terens and his sweetheart Jeanne Swerlin proved that love is eternal as they tied the knot near the D-Day beaches in Normandy, France. The location was the elegant stone-worked town hall of Carentan, …

At D-Day ceremony, American veteran hugs Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and calls him a savior
7 months ago

At D-Day ceremony, American veteran hugs Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and calls him a savior

Associated Press  

OMAHA BEACH, France — An American veteran and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared an emotional moment at a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to liberate France in World War II, each praising the other as a hero. When he met Zelenskyy, Hurwitz kissed the Ukrainian leader’s hand and pulled him in for an extended hug, …

The Latest | D-Day's 80th anniversary brings World War II veterans back to the beaches of Normandy
7 months ago

The Latest | D-Day's 80th anniversary brings World War II veterans back to the beaches of Normandy

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy World War II veterans are …

D-Day anniversary haunted by dwindling number of veterans and shadowed by Europe’s new war
7 months ago

D-Day anniversary haunted by dwindling number of veterans and shadowed by Europe’s new war

Associated Press  

OMAHA BEACH, France — As young soldiers, they waded through breaking waves and gunfire to battle the Nazis. “If we were to do that, it means we’d be forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches.” As now-centenarian veterans revisited old memories and fallen comrades buried in Normandy graves, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s presence at the international D-Day commemoration fused …

Photos: World War II veterans honoured on D-Day’s 80th anniversary
7 months ago

Photos: World War II veterans honoured on D-Day’s 80th anniversary

Al Jazeera  

The United Kingdom’s King Charles has expressed “eternal admiration” to the Allied soldiers that reached France by sea and air to drive out Nazi forces, as world leaders and veterans celebrated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. “We recall the lesson that comes to us again and again, across the decades: Free nations must stand together to oppose tyranny.” …

World leaders, veterans mark D-Day’s 80th anniversary in France
7 months ago

World leaders, veterans mark D-Day’s 80th anniversary in France

Al Jazeera  

This year’s commemoration of the key turning point in WWII carries special resonance with war still raging in Ukraine. “This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy,” Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on X, announcing his arrival to Thursday’s ceremonies in France. US President …

How D-Day veteran who brought Queen to tears with story of losing his childhood pal in the invasion joined the Navy aged just 17 years old to 'do his bit for King and Country'… and had NEVER revealed
7 months ago

How D-Day veteran who brought Queen to tears with story of losing his childhood pal in the invasion joined the Navy aged just 17 years old to 'do his bit for King and Country'… and had NEVER revealed

Daily Mail  

He told the flag-waving crowd he was 'deeply honoured' to be part of proceedings on Southsea Common and said 'we will always remember those who served'. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also gave an address at the event Dame Helen, 78, beckons to the crowd assembled on Southsea Common in Portsmouth The actress praised the assembled veterans for their bravery, saying: …

Eighty years on, British D-Day veterans sail to Normandy once again
7 months ago

Eighty years on, British D-Day veterans sail to Normandy once again

Hindustan Times  

By Elizabeth Pineau and Gerhard Mey Eighty years on, British D-Day veterans sail to Normandy once again OUISTREHAM, France/PORTSMOUTH, England - British veterans sailed on Tuesday to Normandy where, 80 years ago this week, they fought to liberate France as part of D-Day, preparing to taking part in ceremonies marking a major turning point of World War Two. 'REMEMBER' Earlier …

The last WWII vets converge on Normandy for D-Day and fallen friends and to cement their legacy
7 months ago

The last WWII vets converge on Normandy for D-Day and fallen friends and to cement their legacy

Associated Press  

OMAHA BEACH, France — Under their feet, the sands of Omaha Beach, and in their rheumy eyes, tears that inevitably flowed from being on the revered shoreline in Normandy, France, where so many American young men were cut down 80 years ago on D-Day. “They probably wouldn’t be here if we hadn’t be successful,” said Llilburn “Bill” Wall, who flew …

The few: How last of surviving D-Day veterans are heading to Normandy for 80th anniversary but dwindling numbers mean this year is final major milestone for those who fought in 1944
7 months ago

The few: How last of surviving D-Day veterans are heading to Normandy for 80th anniversary but dwindling numbers mean this year is final major milestone for those who fought in 1944

Daily Mail  

The last of the surviving D-Day veterans are heading to Normandy for the 80th anniversary commemorations but dwindling numbers mean this year is the last major milestone for those who fought in 1944. D-Day veteran Albert Keir, 98, from Bakewell, Derbyshire, watches from the deck of the Brittany Ferries ship Mont St Michel as it sails out of Portsmouth Harbour …

Centenarian veterans are sharing their memories of D-Day, 80 years later
7 months ago

Centenarian veterans are sharing their memories of D-Day, 80 years later

Associated Press  

BENOUVILLE, France — World War II veterans from the United States, Britain and Canada are in Normandy this week to mark 80 years since the D-Day landings that helped lead to Hitler’s defeat. Very emotional but important.” FRED TAYLOR Standing this week on what, on D-Day, were the blood-soaked sands of Omaha Beach, World War II fighter pilot Fredric Taylor …

The last WWII vets converge on Normandy for D-day and fallen friends and to cement their legacy
7 months, 1 week ago

The last WWII vets converge on Normandy for D-day and fallen friends and to cement their legacy

LA Times  

An American soldier touches the sand on Omaha Beach, Normandy. World War II veterans from across the United States as well as Britain and Canada are in France this week to mark 80 years since the D-day landings that helped lead to Hitler’s defeat. More veterans were on their way Tuesday, traveling by ferry from southern England across the English …

‘Nobody told us where we were going,’ recalls D-Day veteran Alec
7 months, 1 week ago

‘Nobody told us where we were going,’ recalls D-Day veteran Alec

The Telegraph  

The Rev Mandy Reynolds, chaplain of the Spirit of Normandy Trust, led the service and explained how the wreath was an act of remembrance for all those who did not make it. We remember all those who were lost at sea.” Ms Reynolds added: “It’s very poignant for the veterans because although we are celebrating them while we are here, …

Remembering D-day: Facts and figures about the invasion that changed the course of World War II
7 months, 1 week ago

Remembering D-day: Facts and figures about the invasion that changed the course of World War II

LA Times  

American soldiers and supplies arrive on the shore of the French coast of German-occupied Normandy during the Allied D-day invasion on June 6, 1944, in World War II. The June 6, 1944, D-day invasion of Nazi-occupied France was unprecedented in scale and audacity, using the largest-ever armada of ships, troops, planes and vehicles to punch a hole in Adolf Hitler’s …

As their time runs short, D-Day veterans try to keep their memories alive for others
7 months, 1 week ago

As their time runs short, D-Day veterans try to keep their memories alive for others

NPR  

As their time runs short, D-Day veterans try to keep their memories alive for others toggle caption Gareth Fuller/AP LONDON — Ken Hay's part in the invasion of Normandy lasted just a few weeks, but he wants to make sure the experiences of those who fought and died to end the Nazi grip on Europe live forever. Sponsor Message Breaking …

Dozens of D-Day veterans recall their 'sad memories' as they gather at invasion planning HQ to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings
7 months, 1 week ago

Dozens of D-Day veterans recall their 'sad memories' as they gather at invasion planning HQ to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings

Daily Mail  

D-Day veterans have spoken of their 'sad memories' as they gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings at the headquarters where the largest amphibious invasion in military history was planned. Around 40 veterans met at Southwick House, near Portsmouth, which was the headquarters of Supreme Allied Commander General Dwight Eisenhower. George Chandler, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, …

French children hail D-Day veterans as heroes as they arrive in Normandy for anniversary events
7 months, 1 week ago

French children hail D-Day veterans as heroes as they arrive in Normandy for anniversary events

Associated Press  

DEAUVILLE AIRPORT, France — ‘’To our forever heroes: Thank you’’ — those words inscribed by French schoolchildren on a big poster greeted dozens of U.S. World War II veterans, many in their 100s, as they arrived on Monday in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. France’s first lady Brigitte Macron and top French officials met the …

French children hail D-Day veterans as heroes as they arrive in Normandy for anniversary events
7 months, 1 week ago

French children hail D-Day veterans as heroes as they arrive in Normandy for anniversary events

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy ‘’To our forever heroes: Thank …

Remembering D-Day: Key facts and figures about the invasion that changed the course of World War II
7 months, 1 week ago

Remembering D-Day: Key facts and figures about the invasion that changed the course of World War II

New Indian Express  

OMAHA BEACH: The June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France was unprecedented in scale and audacity, using the largest-ever armada of ships, troops, planes and vehicles to punch a hole in Adolf Hitler's defenses in western Europe and change the course of World War II. More than 2 million Allied soldiers, sailors, pilots, medics and other people from a …

D-Day 80th anniversary: American veterans to be feted in France
7 months, 1 week ago

D-Day 80th anniversary: American veterans to be feted in France

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Hilbert Margol says he didn’t look on himself as a hero when his U.S. Army artillery unit fought its way across Europe during World War II. But he will be feted in France as one of 60 American veterans of that conflict traveling to Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. World War II veteran …

A mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
7 months, 1 week ago

A mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Parachutists jumping from World War …

WWII veterans arrive in France ahead of D-Day commemoration
7 months, 1 week ago

WWII veterans arrive in France ahead of D-Day commemoration

NPR  

WWII veterans arrive in France ahead of D-Day commemoration World War Two veterans are arriving in France ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. ELEANOR BEARDSLEY, BYLINE: Cheers resounded in terminal 2C of Charles de Gaulle Airport as 66 World War II veterans were wheeled from the plane one by one. BEARDSLEY: Brown was part of the Red Ball Express, …

World War II veterans take off for France for 80th anniversary of D-Day
7 months, 1 week ago

World War II veterans take off for France for 80th anniversary of D-Day

Associated Press  

DALLAS — More than 60 veterans of World War II took off Friday from Dallas to France, where they will take part in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The group will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery, visit the Eiffel Tower and join in a daily ceremony known as le Ravivage de la Flamme, …

A Jewish veteran from London prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings
7 months, 1 week ago

A Jewish veteran from London prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

Associated Press  

LONDON — Even as he prepared to embark for the battlefields of Normandy, Pvt. A copy of a photograph of Mervyn Kersh D-Day veteran who fought in the Normandy Campaign, in his uniform, in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. Mervyn Kersh D-Day veteran who fought in the Normandy Campaign, at his home in London, Monday, April 8, 2024. Mervyn Kersh …

We will honour them on the beaches: As the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches, here is your indispensable guide to visiting the battlefields of Normandy and paying homage to the fallen
7 months, 1 week ago

We will honour them on the beaches: As the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches, here is your indispensable guide to visiting the battlefields of Normandy and paying homage to the fallen

Daily Mail  

The 80th anniversary of D-Day will draw world leaders and veterans back to the beaches of France Not since those ceramic poppies at the Tower of London have I seen a public artwork which makes such a powerful point in such an evocative setting: 1,475 life-size silhouettes, one for every British serviceman who died on D-Day, overlooking the scene of …

D-Day vets in Britain honor comrades as 13 names are added to a memorial
10 months, 2 weeks ago

D-Day vets in Britain honor comrades as 13 names are added to a memorial

Associated Press  

LONDON — With medals pinned to their chests, two D-Day veterans proudly represented their comrades as 13 new names were added Tuesday to a memorial wall in southern England that honors those who took part in the Normandy landings. British veterans Stan Ford and John Roberts and 11 others were added to the Normandy Memorial Wall at the D-Day Story …

Normandy marks D-Day’s 79th anniversary, honors World War II veterans
1 year, 7 months ago

Normandy marks D-Day’s 79th anniversary, honors World War II veterans

Associated Press  

ON OMAHA BEACH, France — An overwhelming sound of gunfire and men’s screams. That’s how World War II veteran Marie Scott described D-Day, as Tuesday’s ceremonies got underway in honor of those who fought for freedom in the largest naval, air and land operation in history. People were dying in that moment.” Scott said she was “disgusted” that another war …

What does D-Day stand for and how is the Normandy landings anniversary marked?
1 year, 7 months ago

What does D-Day stand for and how is the Normandy landings anniversary marked?

Daily Mail  

The D-Day landings on June 6, 1944 were a triumph for Allied forces in World War Two and constitute one of the best remembered military operations of the conflict. A US landing barge packed with helmeted soldiers makes its way to the shore in Normandy on June 6, 1944 Dozens of ships line the coast off Omaha Beach in Normandy …

Normandy honors World War II veterans on D-day’s 79th anniversary
1 year, 7 months ago

Normandy honors World War II veterans on D-day’s 79th anniversary

LA Times  

U.S. veterans salute during a ceremony to mark the 79th anniversary of D-day at the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, in Normandy, France. That’s how World War II veteran Marie Scott described D-day, as Tuesday’s ceremonies got underway in honor of those who fought for freedom in the largest naval, air and land operation in history. “People were dying in that …

‘It was tough': World War II veterans return to Utah Beach to mark D-Day’s 79th anniversary
1 year, 7 months ago

‘It was tough': World War II veterans return to Utah Beach to mark D-Day’s 79th anniversary

Associated Press  

ON UTAH BEACH, France — World War II veterans shared vivid memories of D-Day and the fighting as dozens returned to Normandy beaches and key battle sites to mark the 79th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi control. Looking at the vastness of Utah Beach, its sand blowing in …

British D-Day veterans return to Normandy for 79th anniversary of the WW2 invasion
1 year, 7 months ago

British D-Day veterans return to Normandy for 79th anniversary of the WW2 invasion

Daily Mail  

A total of 11 British veterans gathered in Ver-sur-Mer in Normandy on Monday British D-Day veterans have received an emotional welcome today as they returned to France to mark the 79th anniversary of the Normandy landings. War heroes from the UK's armed forces travelled across the Channel for a gathering at the British Normandy Memorial in the town of Ver-sur-Mer, …

Remembering D-Day: Key facts and figures about epochal World War II invasion
1 year, 7 months ago

Remembering D-Day: Key facts and figures about epochal World War II invasion

Associated Press  

OMAHA BEACH, France — The D-Day invasion that helped change the course of World War II was unprecedented in scale and audacity. As veterans and world dignitaries commemorate the 79th anniversary of the operation, here’s a look at some details about what happened: WHO TOOK PART Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944. The operation also …

World War II veterans honored a day before D-Day anniversary
2 years, 7 months ago

World War II veterans honored a day before D-Day anniversary

Associated Press  

RANVILLE, France — More than 20 British World War II veterans gathered Sunday near Pegasus Bridge in northwestern France, one of the first sites liberated by Allied forces from Nazi Germany, for commemorations honoring the nearly 160,000 troops from Britain, the U.S., Canada and other nations who landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944. “We’re thinking about all these poor …

In Normandy, 77th anniversary of D-Day during World War II observed in small crowds due to pandemic
3 years, 7 months ago

In Normandy, 77th anniversary of D-Day during World War II observed in small crowds due to pandemic

Firstpost  

For the second year in a row, anniversary commemorations are marked by virus travel restrictions that have prevented veterans or families of fallen soldiers from the US, Britain, Canada and other Allied countries making the trip to France. Colleville-sur-Mer, France: When the sun rises over Omaha Beach, revealing vast stretches of wet sand extending toward distant cliffs, one starts to …

D-Day spirit of remembrance lives on, despite the pandemic
3 years, 7 months ago

D-Day spirit of remembrance lives on, despite the pandemic

Associated Press  

CARENTAN, France — In a small Normandy town where paratroopers landed in the early hours of D-Day, applause broke the silence to honor Charles Shay. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s D-Day commemorations are taking place with travel restrictions that have prevented veterans or families of fallen soldiers from the U.S., Britain and other allied countries from making the trip …

The seven best sites to learn about D-Day in Normandy
5 years, 7 months ago

The seven best sites to learn about D-Day in Normandy

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer open image in gallery Normandy American Cemetery This poignant cemetery – one of the largest in …

75th D-Day commemoration: Veterans, civilians, political leaders mark World War II operation in France’s Normandy with appeals for world peace
5 years, 7 months ago

75th D-Day commemoration: Veterans, civilians, political leaders mark World War II operation in France’s Normandy with appeals for world peace

Firstpost  

Standing on the windswept beaches and bluffs of Normandy, a dwindling number of ageing veterans of D-Day, history’s greatest air and sea invasion received the thanks and praise of a world transformed by their sacrifice. “They battled not for control and domination, but for liberty, democracy and self-rule,” Trump said in a speech at the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha …

D-Day at 75: Nations honor aging veterans, fallen comrades
5 years, 7 months ago

D-Day at 75: Nations honor aging veterans, fallen comrades

Associated Press  

OMAHA BEACH, France — Standing on the windswept beaches and bluffs of Normandy, a dwindling number of aging veterans of history’s greatest air and sea invasion received the thanks and praise of a world transformed by their sacrifice. “They battled not for control and domination, but for liberty, democracy and self-rule,” Trump said in a speech at the Normandy American …

Suddenly it’s D-Day again; aging veterans recall invasion
5 years, 7 months ago

Suddenly it’s D-Day again; aging veterans recall invasion

Associated Press  

ABOARD THE BOUDICCA IN THE ENGLISH CHANNEL — The veterans hobble along on canes and lean on walking frames now, slower and weaker than they were on D-Day, when they stormed the Normandy beaches with the fate of the free world resting on their shoulders. “The noise was deafening,” said former Royal Marine Les Budding, now 93. “We were spot-on …

D-Day veterans revisit Normandy, recall horror and triumph
5 years, 7 months ago

D-Day veterans revisit Normandy, recall horror and triumph

Associated Press  

Planes spread out across the sky, nearly wingtip to wingtip. “I wouldn’t change my experience for a million dollars,” he said, adding: “I wouldn’t go through it again for a million dollars.” ___ Frank DeVita remembers the moment he froze. “You couldn’t hear them because of all the racket going on.” Kirby went back to France and Europe several times …

As D-Day anniversary approaches, veterans remember, go back
5 years, 7 months ago

As D-Day anniversary approaches, veterans remember, go back

Associated Press  

As the wave of troops sailed toward Omaha Beach in the early morning of June 6, 1944, Frank DeVita could hear the German machine gun fire striking the outside of his landing craft. But when the coxswain screamed again, DeVita dropped the ramp, and he estimates 14 to 15 troops were immediately felled by machine gun fire. Nearly 75 years …

One by one, D-Day memories fade as war’s witnesses die
5 years, 8 months ago

One by one, D-Day memories fade as war’s witnesses die

Associated Press  

PARIS — One more funeral, one less witness to the world’s worst war. Four weeks from now, U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders will pay homage to the more than 2 million American, British, Canadian and other Allied forces involved in the D-Day operation on June 6, 1944, and the ensuing battle for Normandy that helped pave the …

Chilling photographs show horrors faced by Americans during the D-Day landings
5 years, 11 months ago

Chilling photographs show horrors faced by Americans during the D-Day landings

Daily Mail  

These harrowing photographs illustrate the horrors faced by US soldiers during the Second World War's D-Day landings in France, on June 6, 1944. Towns reduced to rubble, wounded soldiers, and terrified troops making their way towards the Normandy shore, have all come to light in chilling images depicted for a new book The Americans on D-Day and in Normandy: Rare …

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