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By Hannah Parry
Associate News Editor
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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined veterans in Normandy, France, on Friday to mark the 81st anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Why It Matters
Friday marks 81 years since Allied troops, led by American soldiers, stormed the beaches of Normandy in a pivotal moment in World War II.
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The Allied invasion of June 6, 1944, which became known as D-Day, saw around 4,400 Allied troops die—including 2,500 Americans—and more than 5,000 were wounded or went missing. But the landing eventually led to the defeat of Nazi Germany and dictator Adolf Hitler.
What To Know
Tens of thousands took part in the commemorations, which included parachute jumps, flyovers, remembrance ceremonies, parades and historical reenactments.
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Many were there to support the few surviving World War II veterans, now all in their late 90s or 100s, and pay tribute to the thousands who died.
Hegseth joined veterans and local politicians at the American Cemetery overlooking the shore in the village of Colleville-sur-Mer.
French Minister for the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu told Hegseth that France acknowledges what it owes to its American allies who helped liberate them from Nazi occupation.
Hegseth responded that France and the United States should be prepared to stand together and fight again if the moment ever arose, saying "good men are still needed to stand up."
What People Are Saying
Harold Terens, a 101-year-old U.S. veteran, who returned to Normandy to mark the anniversary, "Freedom is everything. I pray for freedom for the whole world. For the war to end in Ukraine, and Russia, and Sudan and Gaza. I think war is disgusting. Absolutely disgusting."
French Minister Lecornu told Hegseth, "We don't forget that our oldest allies were there in this grave moment of our history. I say it with deep respect in front of you, veterans, who incarnate this unique friendship between our two countries."
Hegseth said at the anniversary event, "Today, the United States and France again rally together to confront such threats," without mentioning a specific enemy. "Because we strive for peace, we must prepare for war and hopefully deter it."
This is a breaking story and updates will follow as further information becomes available.
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