World leaders convened in Normandy, France, on Thursday for D-Day events to pay tribute to those who sacrificed during World War II. Local authorities undertook significant planning for the ceremonies and the expected influx of tourists.
Michael Dodds, the director of the Normandy Regional Tourist Board, provided insight from Omaha Beach in northern France, where residents and tourists gathered to honor the veterans who fought alongside U.S., British, and Canadian forces during the Allied invasion of Western Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were warmly welcomed and applauded as they engaged with the honored veterans. American veterans attending the 80th anniversary of D-Day were also recognized for their service.
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Dodds expressed gratitude for the veterans’ presence, highlighting their determination to visit the site despite their advanced age. President Joe Biden delivered a speech at the location where 73,000 U.S. forces landed on D-Day, emphasizing the unity of the Allied Forces in safeguarding world peace and commemorating the pivotal moment in history.
