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
IAEA chief stresses further monitoring of Fukushima nuke wastewater discharge
(Xinhua) 14:36, March 13, 2024TOKYO, March 13 (Xinhua) -- International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)2024-06-03A Swiss court sentences a former Gambian interior minister to 20 years for crimes against humanity
GENEVA (AP) — Switzerland’s top criminal court on Wednesday convicted a former interior minister of2024-06-03Amy Schumer puts on a stylish display in muted monochromatic red suit at star
Amy Schumer went for a monochromatic red look at the premiere of her new movie IF in New York City o2024-06-03- TOKYO (AP) — Japan and the United States on Wednesday signed an arrangement to jointly develop a new2024-06-03
Michigan voters go to polls for 2024 U.S. presidential primary
(Xinhua) 10:04, February 28, 2024WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Voters went to the polls across Mic2024-06-03- Now is the perfect time for a holiday in the Mediterranean. The weather is warm and sunny, and you c2024-06-03
atest comment