Over 60 World War II veterans from Dallas recently embarked on a journey to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This group of veterans, ranging in age from 90 to 107, were welcomed aboard a charter American Airlines plane by a crowd of grateful onlookers waving the Stars and Stripes. The veterans will be participating in a multi-day journey that includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Suresnes American Cemetery, a visit to the Eiffel Tower, and trips to various historic WWII sites.
Part of the veterans’ itinerary includes taking part in the daily ceremony known as le Ravivage de la Flamme, which pays tribute to fallen French service members at the Arc de Triomphe. The journey will culminate on June 6th, the 80th anniversary of D-Day, with ceremonies at Omaha and Utah Beaches, two of the landing sites for the Allied forces during the Normandy invasion. American Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, David Seymour, who is also a veteran of the US Army, expressed his honor in being able to assist these heroic veterans in returning to Normandy and highlighting their extraordinary stories.
Among the group of veterans from Dallas are six Medal of Honor recipients from wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam, who have joined this journey to honor their fellow World War II veterans. Additionally, there are two Rosie the Riveters representing the women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war. The significance of D-Day cannot be understated, as nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed at Normandy on June 6, 1944, to begin the liberation of Western Europe. On that day alone, 4,414 Allied troops, including 2,501 Americans, were killed, and over 5,000 were wounded.
The Normandy American Cemetery serves as the final resting place for over 9,000 US service members who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. This journey to France is not only a tribute to the brave veterans who fought in the war, but also an opportunity to preserve their legacies for future generations. The participation of these veterans in ceremonies and visits to historic sites aims to honor the memory of those who served and ensure that their stories continue to be told. Through this journey, the veterans hope to shine a light on the remarkable sacrifices made for freedom and to pay homage to the Allied forces who fought bravely on D-Day.
