D-Day Veterans, Allies Commemorate 81st Anniversary Across Normandy, US, Michigan

On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, veterans and communities across the United States and Normandy gathered to honor the heroism and sacrifice of those who participated in the 1944 Allied invasion. In Bedford, Virginia, veterans like Gerald Willis and 99-year-old Wenzel shared personal connections to the historic event, emphasizing the importance of remembering the stories of those who served. In Lansing, Michigan, a rally highlighted the need for continued support for veterans, especially regarding federal workforce employment and opposition to the privatization of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Meanwhile, five surviving D-Day veterans, aged between 99 and 101, traveled to Sword Beach in Normandy to participate in remembrance ceremonies, reflecting on their experiences and the duty to educate younger generations. The commemorations in Normandy included military honors, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivering a speech at the Normandy American Cemetery, underscoring the collective Allied victory and the lasting significance of the invasion. Despite past tensions, Hegseth's remarks were respectful, paying tribute to the veterans and the multinational effort that shaped history.