A mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks off commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D
CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS, France (AP) — Parachutists jumping from World War II-era planes hurled themselves Sunday into now peaceful Normandy skies where war once raged, heralding a week of ceremonies for the fast-disappearing generation of Allied troops who fought from D-Day beaches 80 years ago to Adolf Hitler’s fall, helping free Europe of his tyranny.
All along the Normandy coastline — where then-young soldiers from across the United States, Britain, Canada and other Allied nations waded ashore through hails of fire on five beaches on June 6, 1944 — French officials, grateful Normandy survivors and other admirers are saying “merci” but also goodbye.
The ever-dwindling number of veterans in their late nineties and older who are coming back to remember fallen friends and their history-changing exploits are the last.
Part of the purpose of fireworks shows, parachute jumps, solemn commemorations and ceremonies that world leaders will attend this week is to pass the baton of remembrance to the current generations now seeing war again in Europe, in Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British royals are among the VIPs that France is expecting for the D-Day events.
Related articles
Bogusz scores in each half as LAFC notches 2
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Mateusz Bogusz scored a goal in each half to guide Los Angeles FC to a 2-2 dra2024-06-03China moves to improve critical care medical services
China's National Health Commission and other authorities on Monday issued a set of guidelines to2024-06-03Kendall Jenner puts on a VERY cheeky display in a semi
Kendall Jenner stunned in a cheeky ensemble at the 2024 Met Gala, held at The Metropolitan Museum of2024-06-03World's largest deinonychosaur tracks discovered in Fujian
Scientists have discovered large two-toed tracks in Lincheng Town, Fujian Province, east China, whic2024-06-03Viral video highlights targeting of Hmong women to marry Chinese men — Radio Free Asia
The man behind the phone chuckles as he calls out in the Hmong language to villagers sitting around2024-06-03Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there
LONDON (AP) — Thousands of ride-or-die Taylor Swift fans who missed out on her U.S. concert tour las2024-06-03
atest comment