COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France -- World War II veterans joined heads of state and others Thursday for poignant ceremonies on the beaches of Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The Allied invasion, which began on June 6, 1944, led to the defeat of the Nazis and the end of the war. The assault began with Allied aircraft bombing German defenses in Normandy, followed by around 1,200 aircraft that carried airborne troops. As dawn broke, Allied forces started bombing German coastal defenses and shortly after that vessels began putting troops ashore on five codenamed beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. By the end of the day, nearly 160,000 Allied troops had landed in Normandy, although there were thousands of casualties.
Few witnesses to history's biggest amphibious invasion remain alive today.
Biden draws parallels between Ukraine war and WWII
U.S. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed America's commitment to the defense of Ukraine, saying in his D-Day anniversary speech that "we will not walk away" and give into bullies.
Biden's comment about bullies was a reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sent his military across the border into Ukraine more than two years ago in an attempted takeover. The U.S. and other countries have been aiding Ukraine by sending weapons, money and other support.
Biden used his speech Thursday to connect what happened during World War II to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The president praised the power of alliances and said Russia's advance will not stop with Ukraine if the world walks away. Biden said "Ukraine's neighbors will be threatened" and "all of Europe will be threatened."
He argued for holding strong against Putin, saying "to surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable" and that to give in "means we'd forget what happened here" on the beaches of Normandy.
11 U.S. Veterans awarded with Legion of Honor
French President Emmanuel Macron has awarded 11 U.S. WWII veterans with the Legion of Honor, France's highest distinction, during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
"You came here because the free world needed each and every one of you, and you answered the call," Macron told them. "You came here to make France a free nation. You're back here today at home, if I may say."
The men are now 98 to 104 years old.
Macron kissed each veteran on both cheeks and greeted them warmly as he pinned medals on their lapels.
Among the men was Hilbert Margol, who joined an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He is part of American forces that liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Another, Ray Tweedel, landed by sea in Normandy on the night of June 8, 1944, and took part in the war as an oil tanker and ambulance driver.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy arrives in Normandy for D-Day events
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Normandy, France, to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day invasion with Western leaders.
Zelenskyy said on X that he is going to attend important meetings aimed at strengthening his nation at war, and that he is honored to be participating in the D-Day commemoration with President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and others.
"This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy," Zelenskyy said.
"Allies defended Europe's freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today."
103-year-old female veteran given Legion of Honor Award
French President Emmanuel Macron bestowed a Legion of Honor award on a 103-year-old female British veteran officer who created detailed maps that guided the crews of landing craft on D-Day.
Christian Lamb sat in a wheelchair as Macron bent down to pin the medal on her and kissed her on both cheeks.
He told her she was one of the "heroes in the shadows" as he described how she was studying in Normandy in 1939 when her father, a Royal Navy admiral, called her back to London on the eve of World War II.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lamb recalled creating maps that "showed railways, roads, churches, castles, every possible feature that could be visible to an incoming invader and from every angle," Lamb.
"It was intense and exciting work, and obviously detail was vital. It was crucial that the maps were 100% accurate," she said.
Prince William praises Canadian troops in Normandy
Prince William has praised the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian troops as he addressed a D-Day anniversary ceremony on Juno Beach.
The royal was joined by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Canadian D-Day veterans.
Some 14,000 Canadians were part of the 150,000 Allied troops who landed or parachuted into Normandy in 1944.
"Far from home they stormed these very sand dunes behind me, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of British troops," William said.
Addressing veterans at the ceremony, the royal added: "Thank you for our freedom, and thank you for your service."
President Biden meets with American veterans
U.S. President Joe Biden met with American veterans of D-Day as he marked the invasion's 80th anniversary.
Veterans who could stand were helped out of wheelchairs to pose for photos with the president and first lady Jill Biden. One hugged Biden, another saluted. When Biden learned it was the birthday of one of the veterans, he led the audience in singing 'Happy Birthday.'
The first lady clutched the arm of another veteran, Robert Gibson, to help him stand next to Biden as they shook hands. "Don't get old," the 100-year-old man joked to the 81-year-old president, who was a toddler when D-Day took place.
Steve Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the Hollywood heavyweights behind movies and television shows about World War II, were nearby.
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