Current:Home > ScamsWorld War II veterans take off for France for 80th anniversary of D-Day -ForexStream
World War II veterans take off for France for 80th anniversary of D-Day
View
Date:2025-04-16 05:15:43
DALLAS (AP) — More than 60 veterans of World War II took off Friday from Dallas to France, where they will take part in ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The group ranges from 96 to 107 years old, according to American Airlines, which is flying them first to Paris. The flight is one of several that are taking veterans to France for the commemoration.
The group will take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery, visit the Eiffel Tower and join in a daily ceremony known as le Ravivage de la Flamme, which honors fallen French service members at the Arc de triomphe.
They then head to the Normandy region for events that include wreath-laying ceremonies on Omaha and Utah Beaches, two of the landing sites for the Allied forces.
Almost 160,000 Allied troops, 73,000 from the United States, landed at Normandy on June 6, 1944, in a massive amphibious operation designed to break through heavily fortified German defenses and begin the liberation of Western Europe.
A total of 4,414 Allied troops were killed on D-Day itself, including 2,501 Americans. More than 5,000 were wounded.
The group traveling from Dallas includes six Medal of Honor recipients from wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam who wish to honor the World War II veterans.
There are also two Rosie the Riveters, representing women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war.
Hundreds of thousands of military women from Allied nations also worked in crucial noncombat roles such as codebreakers, ship plotters, radar operators and cartographers.
There are various ceremonies to commemorate the day in France and to thank veterans, some of whom will make the long trans-Atlantic journey despite advanced age, fatigue and physical difficulties.
“We will never forget. And we have to tell them,” Philippe Étienne, chairman of commemoration organizer Liberation Mission, told The Associated Press.
veryGood! (79)
Related
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- ‘Fat Leonard,’ Navy contractor behind one of the military’s biggest scandals, sentenced to 15 years
- When does Part 2 of 'Outer Banks' Season 4 debut? Release date, trailer, cast, episode list
- 76ers star Joel Embiid suspended 3 games by NBA for shoving reporter
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Judge sets early 2025 trial for ex-prosecutor charged with meddling in Ahmaud Arbery investigation
- Republican Jen Kiggans keeps House seat in Virginia while 7th District race remains a close contest
- Los Angeles News Anchor Chauncy Glover Dead at 39
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Bitcoin spikes to record as traders expect Trump’s victory to boost cryptocurrencies
Ranking
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- ‘Fat Leonard,’ Navy contractor behind one of the military’s biggest scandals, sentenced to 15 years
- Highest court in Massachusetts to hear arguments in Karen Read’s bid to dismiss murder charge
- President Joe Biden Speaks Out After Kamala Harris Defeated By Donald Trump
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- North Carolina’s next governor could have a more potent veto with even a small Democratic gain
- Blues forward Dylan Holloway transported to local hospital after taking puck to neck
- Brianna LaPaglia Says Ex Zach Bryan Blocked Her on Social Media After Breakup
Recommendation
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
NFL trade deadline winners, losers: Cowboys confuse as contenders take flight
CAUCOIN Trading Center: AI-Driven Platform Setting a New Standard for Service Excellence
Republican supermajority unchanged in Tennessee Statehouse but Democrats don’t give up ground
Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
Jon and Kate Gosselin's Daughters Hannah and Leah Reunite in Rare Photo Amid Family Estrangement
Donald Trump’s Daughter Ivanka Trump Shares Her Life Lessons in Honor of Her 43rd Birthday
‘Fat Leonard,’ Navy contractor behind one of the military’s biggest scandals, sentenced to 15 years