The world marked 80 years since D-Day with the King and Joe Biden among the leaders who traveled to Normandy to join veterans in celebrating the solemn anniversary.
King addressed an emotional crowd at the British national commemorative event on Thursday morning in Ver-sur-Mer, France, where he shared his “deep sense of gratitude” to those who served in the Second World War.
Veterans could be seen dabbing their eyes with tissues as the king paid tribute to the “remarkable wartime generation” at a memorial containing the names of the 22,442 servicemen and women under British command who died on D-Day.
“How lucky we were, and the entire free world, that a generation of men and women in the United Kingdom and other Allied nations did not falter when the time came to face this test,” he said.
Follow live: Normandy celebrations mark 80 years since D-Day
Charles greets D-Day veteran Albert Keir, 98. Photo: AP
“On the beaches of Normandy, on the seas beyond and in the skies, our armed forces did their duty with a humble sense of resolve and resolve, qualities so characteristic of that remarkable wartime generation.
“Many of them never returned home, losing their lives on the D-Day landing grounds or in the many battles that followed.”
After his speech, the King – who was wearing his full dress uniform of Field Marshal No. 4 of the Tropical Service, with medals and decorations – saluted during the Last Post and the silence that followed.
Photo: AP
British veterans also spoke at the memorial event, including one who said he “cried” as he paid tribute to a friend who saved his life.
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D-Day Veterans Share Their Stories
Camilla talks to Arthur Oborne at lunch after the UK’s national commemorative event. Photo: AP
Arthur Oborne, 100, remembers being shot in the lung three days after arriving at Gold Beach. He was saved by Walter Gummerson, who was killed the next day along with the rest of his unit.
“I wish I could tell him that I never took his sacrifice for granted and I will always remember him and our friends,” Oborne told the crowd. “So, Gummy, thank you, my old friend.”
Joe Biden attacks Putin
Later, Mr. Biden addressed a crowd at the US national commemoration, telling stories of some of the veterans in attendance before reflecting on current events – including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
‘We will not surrender to bullies and dictators’
“Isolationism was not the answer 80 years ago and it is not the answer today,” he said. “We know the dark forces these heroes fought against 80 years ago, they never go away.
“The struggle between dictatorship and freedom is endless. Here in Europe we see a clear example. Ukraine was invaded by a tyrant bent on domination.”
Prince William gave his own speech at Juno Beach, where Canadian troops were being honored.
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince William Pic: AP
Prince William speaks to Canadian veterans. Photo: AP
He was accompanied by the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and praised the “bravery and sacrifice” of the Canadians who “stormed these same sand dunes behind me, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of British soldiers.”
“Standing here today in peaceful silence, it is almost impossible to comprehend the courage it would take to face the fury of battle that day,” he said.
France’s highest honor given to British veteran
Christian Lamb receives the French Legion of Honor from French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Fio PA
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke at U.S. and British commemorative events and bestowed the National Order of the Legion of Honor – the highest honor that can be bestowed in France – on veterans, including a British wren.
Christian Lamb, 103, worked as a clerk in the Royal Navy before becoming a plotting officer responsible for tracking ships.
She was one of those in charge of logistical planning for D-Day.
Photo: Reuters
“You gave us an example that we will not forget,” Macron told her.
This afternoon, an international celebration on Omaha Beach in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer brought together heads of state and prominent politicians, who gave the veterans a standing ovation.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska were among those present and received loud applause when they arrived.
Olena Zelenska and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: AP
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at the Royal British Legion remembrance service in Staffordshire. Photo: PA
Across the UK, there were also numerous other D-Day commemorations.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended the Royal British Legion memorial service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
A flotilla of 80 boats is scheduled to leave Falmouth, Cornwall, where thousands of soldiers set out to take part in the invasion.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
