On June 6, the American Battle Monuments Commission commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Normandy American Cemetery. Nearly 10,000 people attended the ceremony, including ABMC commissioners, U.S. senators, U.S. members of Congress as well as other U.S. and French representatives. 

Among the guests, 191 U.S. World War II veterans were welcomed on stage with a standing ovation from the crowd. C-130s from the Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, flew over Normandy American Cemetery as President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr. and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by their spouses, arrived on stage to honor the nearly 200 WWII veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice on D-Day and the ensuing campaign.
 

The ABMC Secretary Charles K. Djou delivered opening remarks, highlighting that “honoring the heroes who served on D-Day is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to the values they fought for.” 

After sharing that “[Normandy American Cemetery’s] humble white headstones are one of the most moving places in France,” President Macron, presented the Legion of Honor to 11 World War II veterans to recognize their service to the republic. Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor is France’s highest decoration and recognizes eminent services to the French Republic.  

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and President Biden also delivered remarks, honoring the service members who defended freedom and democracy 80 years ago. 

“Let us again uphold the spirit of D-Day. Let us again defend the principles that the allied armies carry. And let us again thank the heroes of D-Day who kept freedom alive for us all,” said Secretary Austin. 

“We have a special obligation, we cannot let what happened here be lost in the silence of the years to come,” said President Biden. “We must remember it; we must honor it and live it.”  

To offer a moment of remembrance and reflection, an ABMC-produced film was played for the audience. The 5-minute clip blends interviews of WWII veterans Carver McGriff, Charles Shay, Harry Miller, Irvin Locker and next-of-kin George Luz Jr. together with archival footage

The ceremony also included the reading of “The Watch,” a poem typically recited at U.S. Navy retirement ceremonies, by Lt. Cmdr. Katherine Miyamasu, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa; performances of French “Aux Morts” and U.S. “Taps” as well as a 21-gun salute on 105 mm howitzer cannons by the 529 Military Police Company, U.S. Army Europe and Africa Honor Guard. It concluded with a F-35 flyover missing man formation by the 493rd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa. Both presidents walked back to the overlook where they separated as Biden went into the plots for a private wreath laying on Pfc. George C. Beebe from Delaware, who died on D-Day. 

The ceremony was livestreamed on ABMC social media accounts and can be watched below: