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D-Day Veterans Commemorate 80th Anniversary Amidst Ongoing War in Ukraine

  • D-Day Veterans Commemorate 80th Anniversary Amidst Ongoing War in Ukraine
    D-Day Veterans Commemorate 80th Anniversary Amidst Ongoing War in Ukraine
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World
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Politics
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As dawn broke, marking eight decades since Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, veterans and world leaders gathered to honor the sacrifices made on D-Day. The ceremonies, held on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, were imbued with contemporary significance due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Absent from the commemorations was Russia, a World War II ally, now isolated due to its invasion of Ukraine. U.S. President Joe Biden linked Ukraine's struggle for democracy with the battle against Nazi Germany, emphasizing the importance of resisting authoritarianism. "To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable," Biden stated.

The somber event saw veterans, some in their nineties, revisiting the sites of their youth. Among them was Walter Stitt, who reflected on the value of fighting for freedom despite the horrors of war. "There are things worth fighting for," said Stitt, who turns 100 in July.

French President Emmanuel Macron awarded the Legion of Honor to several veterans, including Edward Berthold, a pilot who flew missions during the invasion. The presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy drew significant applause, symbolizing the ongoing fight for democracy in Europe.

The ceremonies were a stark reminder of the cost of war, with hundreds of thousands estimated dead or wounded in Ukraine. As veterans received standing ovations, their plea was clear: the lessons of World War II must not be forgotten. "We were doing it to save our country," said 98-year-old Anna Mae Krier, a wartime riveter. "We ended up helping save the world."

The anniversary served as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifices of the "greatest generation" and the continued relevance of their legacy in today's world.