Reporter’s Notebook: Honoring Courage and Valor on the 81st Anniversary of D-Day

Crowds gather at the 81st D-Day commemoration as centenarian veterans honor the sacrifices of Normandy's heroes.

Reporter’s Notebook: Honoring Courage and Valor on the 81st Anniversary of D-Day

Each anniversary of D-Day is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made on June 6, 1944, as Allied forces stormed Normandy’s beaches to begin the liberation of Western Europe and bring an end to Nazi tyranny. The 81st anniversary was marked at the breathtaking American cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach, where rows of white crosses bear silent testimony to the cost of victory in World War II.

That day, more than 75,000 American troops participated in the assault, with 2,500 losing their lives and another 5,000 sustaining injuries—numbers that underscore both the scale of valor and the magnitude of loss endured in just a single day. The scene at Normandy on Friday was one of solemn remembrance, but also one of resilience, as survivors like 102-year-old Jake Larson from Minnesota stood among the gravestones. “Not only did I make it through six battles … I made it without a scratch! Somebody ‘upstairs’ loves me,” Larson said, his spirit undimmed by time or memory.

The ceremony was attended by defense officials and dignitaries, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who met with the dwindling group of living World War II veterans. Addressing the crowd, Hegseth emphasized the enduring importance of international cooperation, echoing the alliances forged during D-Day. “America first hasn’t meant and doesn’t mean 'America alone,’" he told attendees. "Working with our allies and partners, there’s a lot we can accomplish now with gathering threats in the world." His words resonated in a world still confronting uncertainty and global challenges.

Yet, for some veterans, the lessons of war remain elusive. Centenarian New Yorkers Ray Sweeney and Harold Radish, both brought to France by the Greatest Generations Foundation, offered sobering reflections. "What did we learn? I don’t think we learned much. We gave up a lot of bodies," mused Sweeney. Radish added, "War is heroic in the movies. But in real life, it’s killing. It’s not getting along with somebody." Their remarks serve as a poignant counterpoint to the pageantry of commemoration, reminding all that the true cost of conflict extends far beyond the battlefield.

Despite these somber reflections, the presence of steady and large crowds at the peaceful French beaches is testament to the deep respect and gratitude felt for those who fought on D-Day. As visitors young and old walked among the monuments and memorial stones, the spirit of remembrance was unmistakable. While the lessons of war may be debated, the legacy of courage and sacrifice continues to inspire generations, ensuring that the events of June 6, 1944, are neither forgotten nor taken for granted.