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On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, world leaders gathered in Normandy, France to commemorate the pivotal moment in World War II. Among them were King Charles, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The day was filled with various commemorative events. At the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid their respects. The Prince of Wales attended the Canadian commemorative ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre.
This was indeed a beautiful moment in Normandy.
— Illia Ponomarenko (@IAPonomarenko) June 6, 2024
D-Day veterans deserve nothing but the greatest respect, especially in our time.
pic.twitter.com/fjGeuwZhkZ
President Macron opened the official international ceremony at Omaha Beach, chatting with the Bidens before thanking the crowd of veterans and awarding several of them France's highest military honor, the Legion d'honneur. Zelensky, who received thunderous applause upon arrival, was greeted by the Macrons.
In his speech, Biden emphasized the importance of standing firm against bullies and dictators, reminding the audience that freedom comes at a price. He also appeared to hit back at former President Trump's "America first" isolationism, saying "Isolationism was not the answer 80 years ago and is not the answer today."
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden (right), arrive with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, at the official international ceremony@PA #dday #veterans #ww2 #france #ddayveterans #worldwartwo #parachute #dday80th #normandy pic.twitter.com/jrlRZ1WLx8
— Jordan Pettitt (@jordanpettitt) June 7, 2024
King Charles praised the "resolve and determination" of the "remarkable war-time generation" in his own speech, drawing parallels between the events of 80 years ago and today's political climate. "We recall the lesson that comes to us again and again across the decades - free nations must stand together to oppose tyranny," he said.
The commemorations served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Allied forces and the ongoing struggle against the forces of darkness. As the world leaders gathered to honor the fallen heroes of D-Day, they also sent a clear message of unity and resolve in the face of modern-day challenges.
King Charles shook hands with some of the veterans during the 80th D-Day anniversary ceremony in Normandy.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 6, 2024
Latest on the events marking 80 years here: https://t.co/MsoIP2jZMA pic.twitter.com/sivQgqOA9A
[Information sourced from: Politico, Reuters, Tatler, The Independent and CNN]
