The last WWII vets converge on Normandy for D-Day and fallen friends and to cement their legacy
6 months, 2 weeks 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 bombers in WWII and will celebrate his 101st birthday this week as world leaders gather in France to pay homage to the D-Day generation. More veterans were on their way Tuesday, traveling by ferry from southern England across the English Channel that 23,000 Allied airborne troops flew over to drop on D-Day into Normandy and which more than 132,000 others crossed aboard thousands of ships that stretched as far as eyes could see, landing on Utah and Omaha and three other code-named beaches: Gold, Juno and Sword. “It looked like you could walk across the Channel using boats as stepping stones,” recalled 100-year-old Robert Pedigo, who was a nose gunner aboard a B-24 bomber that flew over the landing beaches on D-Day to pound German forces from the air. RAF veteran Bernard Morgan, who worked in communications on D-Day, chuckled: “It was more pleasant coming today than it was 80 years ago.” ___ Danica Kirka reported from the Mont St. Michel ferry in the English Channel.

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History of this topic

UK D-Day veteran George Chandler, who escorted American troops to Normandy beaches, dies at 99
1 month, 3 weeks ago

UK D-Day veteran George Chandler, who escorted American troops to Normandy beaches, dies at 99

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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

D-Day Veteran George Chandler Dies at 99, Leaves Legacy of War Stories
1 month, 3 weeks ago

D-Day Veteran George Chandler Dies at 99, Leaves Legacy of War Stories

Associated Press  

D-Day veteran George Chandler, who witnessed the horrors of the D-Day landings, has died at 99. Chandler served aboard a British motor torpedo boat during the invasion of Normandy and was one of the dwindling cohort of D-Day survivors who gathered last summer to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the landings.

Biden honors US war dead with a cemetery visit ending a French trip that served as a rebuke to Trump
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Biden honors US war dead with a cemetery visit ending a French trip that served as a rebuke to Trump

Associated Press  

BELLEAU, France — President Joe Biden closed out his trip to France by paying his respects at an American military cemetery that Donald Trump notably skipped when he was president, hoping his final stop Sunday helped draw the stakes of the November election in stark relief. Trump, at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, said Sunday after Biden had left …

World War II veteran, 100, weds 96-year-old bride near D-Day beach
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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, …

D-Day anniversary haunted by dwindling number of veterans and shadowed by Europe’s new war
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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 …

Forgotten heroes: The D-Day women who changed the course of history
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Forgotten heroes: The D-Day women who changed the course of history

The Independent  

It is still the biggest seaborne invasion in history, when around 156,000 Allied troops landed on beaches along Normandy to fight their way into Nazi-occupied France thus setting the path to victory. As the living memory of that day fades, King Charles noted in his moving address at the 80th-anniversary commemorations: “It is our duty to ensure that we and …

Macron pays tribute to civilian victims of D-Day bombings in Normandy
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Macron pays tribute to civilian victims of D-Day bombings in Normandy

Hindustan Times  

By Elizabeth Pineau Macron pays tribute to civilian victims of D-Day bombings in Normandy SAINT-LO, France, - As world leaders gathered to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the thousands of civilian victims of Allied bombardments on that day and in the months-long Battle of Normandy that followed. "Eighty years later, the Nation …

D-Day minute by terrifying minute: Joltingly vivid account retells how Operation Overlord unfolded as 150,000 Allied troops gambled everything to defeat the Nazis and change the course of history
6 months, 2 weeks ago

D-Day minute by terrifying minute: Joltingly vivid account retells how Operation Overlord unfolded as 150,000 Allied troops gambled everything to defeat the Nazis and change the course of history

Daily Mail  

Tomorrow marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy, the largest seaborne invasion in history, which begun of the liberation of France and western Europe from the Nazis. This location was used as a launching place for Allied troops participating in the invasion Operation Overlord Normandy troops are boarding a Landing Craft Infantry in Southern England on 5th June 1944 …

Eighty years on, British D-Day veterans sail to Normandy once again
6 months, 2 weeks 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 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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
6 months, 2 weeks 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, …

How AP covered the D-Day landings and lost photographer Bede Irvin in the battle for Normandy
6 months, 3 weeks ago

How AP covered the D-Day landings and lost photographer Bede Irvin in the battle for Normandy

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — When Associated Press correspondent Don Whitehead arrived with other journalists in southern England to cover the Allies’ imminent D-Day invasion of Normandy, a U.S. commander offered them a no-nonsense welcome. Veteran war correspondent Wes Gallagher — who would later run the entire Associated Press — directed AP’s team from the headquarters in Portsmouth, England, of Supreme Allied …

Remembering D-Day: Key facts and figures about the invasion that changed the course of World War II
6 months, 3 weeks ago

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

Associated Press  

OMAHA BEACH, France — 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. WHO TOOK PART FILE - American paratroopers, heavily armed, sit inside a …

Remembering D-Day: Key facts and figures about the invasion that changed the course of World War II
6 months, 3 weeks 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
6 months, 3 weeks 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 …

D-Day anniversary: Royal Navy veteran recalls being thrown from ship by explosion
6 months, 3 weeks ago

D-Day anniversary: Royal Navy veteran recalls being thrown from ship by explosion

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. On 18 August at 5.30am or 6am, Mr Ford was on duty when he …

A mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day
6 months, 3 weeks 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
6 months, 3 weeks 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
6 months, 3 weeks 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, …

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
6 months, 3 weeks 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 …

Normandy marks D-Day’s 79th anniversary, honors World War II veterans
1 year, 6 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, 6 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, 6 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, 6 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 …

Remembering D-Day: Key facts and figures about epochal World War II invasion
1 year, 6 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 …

Joy, sadness intertwine at Normandy’s D-Day commemorations
2 years, 6 months ago

Joy, sadness intertwine at Normandy’s D-Day commemorations

Associated Press  

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — Joy and sadness in acute doses poured out Monday on the beaches of Normandy. As a bright sun rose Monday over the wide band of sand at Omaha Beach, U.S. D-Day veteran Charles Shay expressed thoughts for his comrades who died here 78 years ago. But it’s not possible.” This year, Shay handed over the remembrance task …

World War II veterans honored a day before D-Day anniversary
2 years, 6 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, 6 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, 6 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 …

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