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
Samuel Ersson blanks Devils to keep Flyers' slim playoff hopes alive in 1
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Forget flipping games on TV, scrolling social media, reading the ticker or most2024-06-03VOX POPULI: Rooting for the Sendai killifish that survived the 2011 tsunami
In February 1999, the Environment Agency (the present-day Environment Ministry) shocked the nation b2024-06-03Gay Games Hong Kong unfazed by potential censorship, organiser says
As Hong Kong prepares to make history as the first place in Asia to host the Gay Games, an internati2024-06-03Sri Lanka extends demining body's tenure for landmine free nation
(Xinhua) 09:09, February 26, 2024COLOMBO, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government has decided2024-06-03China is drilling some of the deepest holes in hunt for natural resources
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here2024-06-03
atest comment