World War II Veterans Honor D-Day Anniversary in Emotional Normandy Visit

As the 81st anniversary of D-Day approaches, a remarkable group of World War II veterans has returned to France, retracing the steps they once took amid the chaos and heroism of battle. Nearly two dozen veterans—most now in their late 90s or older—have arrived on the storied beaches of Normandy to commemorate the historic operation that marked a turning point in the war and the liberation of Europe.

This pilgrimage is especially poignant given the dwindling number of surviving World War II servicemen. In 2024, only about 66,143 out of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II remain alive, underscoring the urgency of honoring these individuals while we still can. Their presence in Normandy serves not only as a tribute to those who fell but as a living link to the past for younger generations who gather alongside them.

Local residents in Normandy have welcomed the veterans with open arms, treating them with a reverence akin to celebrity. Jack Stowe, aged 98 and a former Navy sailor, recounted how children approach with thank-you notes and heartfelt gestures. “The French people here, they’re so good to us … they want to talk to us, they want to sit down and they want their kids around us,” he shared, his words illustrating the deep connection forged between liberators and the liberated.

Stowe’s own journey began when, moved by the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the military at just 15 years old, having lied about his age to join the fight for freedom. He reflected on the lasting significance of D-Day: “People are not going to let it be forgotten, you know, Omaha, these beaches … These stories will go on and on and on.” Among those making the journey with him was Jake Larson, 102, who survived the machine gun fire during the storming of Omaha Beach. “We are the lucky ones … They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive,” Larson affirmed, highlighting the enduring responsibility borne by both survivors and society as a whole.

Wally King, now 101 and a former P-47 Thunderbolt fighter pilot, paid tribute to fellow aviators and honored the memory of those who flew by his side. Amidst the grateful crowds, King remarked on the somber reality of aging and the possibility that this could be the last Normandy trip for many. “This will probably be the last Normandy return, when you see the condition of some of us old guys … I hope I’m wrong,” he said, voicing a hope shared by veterans and admirers alike.

The journeys are made possible by organizations such as the Best Defense Foundation, which has facilitated veteran trips to Normandy since 2004. While last year brought 50 veterans to France, just 23 made the trek this year—a stark reminder of the passage of time and the importance of preserving these memories. As the veterans reflect on their experiences and accept the gratitude of countless strangers, their stories and sacrifices continue to shape the course of history and inspire future generations to remember the price of freedom.