WWII Veterans Shine on D-Day: Greatest Generation Ever

_{Photo: Daniel Cole/AP}

Honoring D-Day: Elderly Veterans Gather for Final Commemoration

Nearly 180 veterans, aged in their late 90s or even over 100, were honored guests at D-Day commemorations in France. Among British, US, and Canadian ceremonies, they shared memories of the Allied landings on June 6, 1944, which helped expel German forces from France and end World War II.

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British veteran Joe Mines, 99, returned to the Normandy seaside town of Ver-sur-Mer for what he believed might be his last opportunity. Recalling his experience as a young soldier tasked with clearing mines from the beach, Mines emphasized the brutality of war.

Ron Hendry, another veteran, vividly described approaching the shore on D-Day, overwhelmed by the sight of ships and aircraft. The fear of uncertainty lingered as they questioned whether it was their last day on earth.

World leaders, including Britain's King Charles III, US President Joe Biden, and French President Emmanuel Macron, paid tribute to their courage. Biden individually greeted American veterans, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping history. Macron awarded the Legion d'Honneur to several veterans, including Christian Lamb, a British woman who contributed to the D-Day plans.

Trudeau recounted the story of William Seifried, highlighting his bravery in combat. However, he also mourned the loss of Canadian veteran Bill Cameron, who passed away before returning to Normandy for the commemorations.

The poignant gathering was marred by the passing of 102-year-old US veteran Robert Persichitti, who died en route to Normandy.