A group of 60 World War II veterans, aged between 96 and 107 years old, left Dallas on Friday to travel to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. American Airlines is flying them to Paris for the commemoration, where they will participate in various events such as wreath-laying ceremonies at Suresnes American Cemetery, visiting the Eiffel Tower, and attending le Ravivage de la Flamme at the Arc de Triomphe.
After their time in Paris, the veterans will journey to the Normandy region for additional ceremonies at Omaha and Utah Beaches, historic landing sites for Allied forces during D-Day. The operation on June 6, 1944 was a pivotal moment in WWII’s European Theater with over 160,000 Allied troops participating, including 73,000 Americans. Joining this group are six Medal of Honor recipients from more recent conflicts who wish to pay their respects to their WWII predecessors.
Among the group traveling are two “Rosie the Riveters,” representing women who played vital roles in factories and shipyards during WWII. Hundreds of thousands of women from Allied nations worked in non-combat roles such as codebreakers, radar operators and cartographers throughout the war.
The commemoration organizer Liberation Mission Chairman Philippe Étienne stated that “We will never forget and we have to tell them.” Numerous ceremonies will take place in France to remember and honor these brave men and women for their service and sacrifices despite their advanced age and physical difficulties.
