(NewsNation) — World War II veterans and world leaders gathered Thursday in Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
According to the National World War II Museum, what “D-Day” stands for has been debated among military historians. Many argue the “D” in D-Day stands for “departed,” “disembarkation,” “decision” and “death,” according to the museum.
However, another explanation is that the “D” stands for “day,” according to the U.S. Department of Defense, specifically “the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be launched.”
As veterans and world leaders gather to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, here’s a look at how the operation unfolded.
What happened on D-Day?
On June 6, 1944, nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed in Normandy. Of those, 73,000 were U.S. troops. Forces from several other countries were also involved, including British, Canadian and French troops.
The D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France was unprecedented in scale and audacity, using the largest-ever armada of ships, troops, planes and vehicles to punch a hole in Adolf Hitler’s defenses in western Europe and change the course of World War II.
The sea landings started at 6:30 a.m., just after dawn, targeting five code-named beaches: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The operation also included actions inland, including overnight parachute landings on strategic German sites and U.S. Army Rangers scaling cliffs to take out German gun positions.
Around 11,000 Allied aircraft, 7,000 ships and boats, and thousands of other vehicles were involved.
How many troops died on D-Day?
Of the 4,414 Allied troops killed on D-Day, 2,501 were Americans. More than 5,000 were wounded.
In the ensuing Battle of Normandy, 73,000 Allied forces were killed and 153,000 wounded. The battle — and especially Allied bombings of French villages and cities — killed around 20,000 French civilians.
The exact German casualties aren’t known, but historians estimate between 4,000 and 9,000 men were killed, wounded or missing during the D-Day invasion alone. About 22,000 German soldiers are among the many buried around Normandy.
How many D-Day veterans are still alive?
The number of survivors present at major anniversary commemorations in France continues to dwindle as the youngest survivors are now in their late 90s.
The Associated Press reports it’s unclear how many D-Day veterans are still alive. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says it doesn’t track the number.
President Joe 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.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.