Veterans and world leaders have gathered in Normandy, France, to mark the 80th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 D-Day landings, when more than 150,000 Allied soldiers arrived in the country by sea and air to drive out the forces of Nazi Germany.

US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Britain’s King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and many other political figures took part in the day of tributes.

About 200 veterans, most of them American or British, took part in ceremonies throughout the day on beaches that still bear the scars of the fighting that erupted on D-Day, history’s largest amphibious invasion, in which thousands of Allied soldiers died.

With the number of veterans, many aged 100 or more fast dwindling, this is likely to be the last significant ceremony in Normandy honouring them in their presence.

Leading commemorations in Ver-sur-Mer, King Charles said that while the number of living veterans was dwindling, “our obligation to remember what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish.”

Speaking in English and in French, he paid tribute to the “unimaginable number” of people killed in the battle for Normandy, and the bravery and sacrifice of the French Resistance.

“It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all those who served at that critical time. We recall the lesson that comes to us again and again across the decades – free nations must stand together to oppose tyranny.”
King Charles

“Let us pray such sacrifice need never be made again,” he said.

“And let us commit to carrying forward their resounding message of courage and resilience in the pursuit of freedom, tempered by the duty of responsibilities to others for the benefits of younger generations and those yet unborn.”
King Charles

“Our gratitude is unfailing, and our admiration eternal,” he added.

Taking a break from campaigning for Britain’s July 4 election, British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak paid tribute to veterans, saying their “actions freed a continent and built a better world.”

“You risked everything and we owe you everything,” he said, adding, “We cannot possibly hope to repay that debt but we can and we must pledge never to forget.”

Additionally, French President, Emmanuel Macron called for respect for the veterans, who fought for the freedom of France.

He reminded the audience that the veterans were young men when they fought in Normandy and highlights the terror they must have felt on D-Day. He thanked them for all of France.

He presented the veterans present with the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest medal of honour.

A Reminder Of Courage

In a post on X, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised the value of freedom and democracy and the importance of defending it.

“This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy,” said in a post on X, announcing his arrival to Thursday’s ceremonies in France.

“Allies defended Europe’s freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today,” he added.

With war raging in Ukraine, this year’s commemoration of this key turning point in World War II carries special resonance.

Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was not invited.

At a Canadian ceremony on Juno Beach in nearby Courseulles-Sur-Mer, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said the world must continue to stand up for democracy.

“Democracy is still under threat today. It is threatened by aggressors who want to redraw borders,” he said.

He added, “Our way of life did not happen by accident, and it won’t continue without effort.”