(NewsNation) — President Joe Biden marked the somber D-Day anniversary Thursday in the early hours of the American morning, calling the largest amphibious assault in history a “powerful illustration of how alliances, real alliances make us stronger.”
Biden attended a large ceremony in Normandy, alongside French President Emanuel Macron and other world leaders, to mark the 80th year since Allied troops stormed the beaches and began reclaiming Europe from Nazi control. At least 4,400 Allied troops died during that operation, known as D-Day.
“On behalf of the American people and its commander in chief, it’s the highest honor to be able to salute you here in Normandy. All of you. God love you,” Biden said, addressing World War II veterans during the ceremony.
He said that D-Day was “a lesson that I pray we Americans never forget.”
Biden draws parallels between war in Ukraine, WWII
Additionally, Biden used his speech to connect what happened during World War II to the current war in Ukraine. He reaffirmed America’s commitment to the defense of Ukraine, saying “we will not walk away” and give in to bullies.
He 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 Russian President Vladimir 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.
US veterans awarded with Legion of Honor
Biden met 41 veterans of the Normandy campaign at Thursday’s events in France. Of those in Normandy, 33 were there on D-Day itself. The total number of World War II veterans there for the commemoration is 180, the White House said.
Meanwhile, Macron awarded 11 U.S. World War II veterans with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, during Thursday’s commemorations.
“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.
Among the men was Hilbert Margol, who joined an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He is part of the 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.
Alan Kinder, 99, is one of the remaining World War II veterans who made the trip to Normandy for the occasion.
“It’s a beautiful place now,” Kinder told NewsNation’s “Morning in America” this week. “We didn’t have time to look at it before, but I’m very pleased and proud of the way they’ve kept this place up. The whole trip in France so far has been a revelation because the first time we didn’t get to talk to people very much.”
Members of Congress, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also attended the ceremony.