President Biden and key U.S. allies are in Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion that marked a significant victory for the western allies in World War II. President Biden is joined by French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in honoring the sacrifice of the 73,000 brave Americans who landed at Utah and Omaha beaches on June 6, 1944. The president’s trip includes meetings with key allies along the way, as well as engagements with American veterans and their families as a tribute to their contribution to the war effort.
The D-Day operation on June 6, 1944, also known as OVERLORD, saw five naval assault divisions and 7,000 ships and landing craft sent to the beaches of Normandy, France. More than 130,000 troops from the U.S., Great Britain, and their allies landed on the shores, ultimately leading to the defeat of German Nazi forces. President Biden plans to give a speech from Normandy’s Point du Hoc cliffs highlighting the men who scaled those cliffs, the importance of democracy, and the risks associated with isolationism. His speech will draw a connection from World War II to the formation of NATO and the current challenges in Europe.
The commemorative events continue as President Biden participates in a parade procession to the Elysee Palace on Saturday and lays a wreath at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery on Sunday. Among the allies President Biden will meet with in France is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with discussions expected to cover various issues such as the Middle East, Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, technology, and clean energy. President Biden and Macron are set to have a joint press appearance, with Macron hosting a state dinner for the President and First Lady Jill Biden.
In 2018, then-President Donald Trump faced criticism for opting out of the trip to Normandy for the D-Day anniversary while in Paris, citing bad weather. President Biden’s visit to France for the 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day marks a significant moment in honoring the sacrifices made by the allied forces during World War II. The events serve as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom and democracy.
