As young soldiers, they waded through breaking waves and gunfire to battle the Nazis. Now bent with age, the dwindling number of World War II veterans joined a new generation of leaders to honor the dead and the fight for democracy on D-Day shores 80 years ago.
Around 200 veterans attended the event, the youngest in their 90s and some over 100, commemorating the more than 4,400 Allied dead on D-Day with fears that World War II lessons are fading.
Ukraine's president received a standing ovation at the ceremonies shadowed by the war in Ukraine, while Russia, not invited, highlighted the modern-day conflicts in Europe.
Veteran Walter Stitt reflected on the importance of fighting for values, visiting Omaha Beach at nearly 100, expressing concerns over the potential decline in lessons from World War II.
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