The 80th anniversary of D-Day is being commemorated with a series of events in France and the UK, to mark the bravery and sacrifices of those who participated in the historic Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France on June 6, 1944.
US President Joe Biden attended the international memorial ceremony at Omaha Beach, where he linked the D-Day operation to the current struggle in Ukraine. In his speech, Biden emphasized the enduring fight for democracy, stating, “History tells us freedom is not free. If you want to know the price of freedom, come here to Normandy. Remember, the price of unchecked tyranny is the blood of the young and the brave.”
Biden drew direct parallels between the invasion led by Nazi Germany and the threats facing Western democracies today, particularly referencing the situation in Ukraine. “Ukrainians are fighting with extraordinary courage, suffering great losses but never backing down,” he said. “The United States and NATO and a coalition of more than 50 countries are standing strong with Ukraine. We will not walk away.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to the bravery of the Allied forces. “You left everything, crossed the ocean, and landed on the coast of France eight decades ago. You left everything and risked everything for our independence, for our freedom. That we will never forget,” Macron declared during his address at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer.
The ceremonies included re-enactments, military flyovers, and a giant picnic followed by a concert and fireworks display. The significant events were attended by over 25 heads of state, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who received a standing ovation upon his arrival. Zelensky called for “true unity” to prevail as it did during the D-Day operations, noting, “Allies defended Europe’s freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today.”
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also participated in the commemorations, emphasizing the enduring importance of the cause the Allied forces fought for. “The cause they fought for will never be taken for granted,” Sunak asserted.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were also among the prominent leaders attending the ceremonies in Normandy, reflecting the broad international representation and the collective memory of this historic event.
UK Commemorations and King Charles’ Tribute
In the UK, King Charles III and Queen Camilla paid tribute at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer. King Charles invoked the memory of his grandfather, George VI, describing the war as the “supreme test.” He honored the generation that faced the test without flinching, reflecting on their bravery and sacrifice.
Prince William also attended the Canadian memorial event at Juno Beach alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, showing the strong bonds between the allied nations.
