Normandy, France. (June 6, 2024): The free world salutes the gallant troops that stormed these beaches eighty years ago to free Europe from the evil grip of the Nazis. In that these memorials are held every five years; this is the last time living participants will attend.

In this photo by MC2 Grant Grady, Retired Army Staff Sergeant Jake Larson embraces active-duty Seaman Nicole Gonzalez during a ceremony honoring the veterans who landed at Omaha Beach that fateful day. The ever-dwindling number of veterans like these travelled to Normandy to remember fallen comrades and to share their experiences, most likely for the last time.

Over sixteen million Americans served during World War II and fewer than one hundred thousand are expected to be alive by the end of 2024 according to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Most are in their late nineties and by the 85th anniversary in 2029 they will be in the triple digits.

For these reasons, the U.S. military pulled out all the stops for this year’s celebration.

Parachutists jumping from World War II-era planes provided a dramatic backdrop for events honoring D-Day survivors that included fireworks, remembrances, and solemn ceremonies attended by world leaders. England’s King Charles III joined twenty-five heads of state to literally give these veterans the royal treatment. Veterans Affairs estimates one hundred and fifty American veterans travelled to Normandy and, of these, two dozen took part in the invasion.

The landings were the largest sea, air, and land armada ever assembled and marked the beginning of the end for Hitler and the Nazis. Over 160,000 troops landed on a stretch of coastline fifty miles long onto five beaches codenamed Gold, Juno, Omaha, Sword and Utah. The Americans were responsible for Omaha and Utah. Casualties were high with more than nine thousand Allied Soldiers killed or wounded.

As these courageous warriors fade into history, America must continue to honor their sacrifices.