80th Anniversary of D-Day: Veterans Return to Normandy for Parachute Jumps and Honor

Twenty-five World War II veterans embarked on a ferry journey from the U.K. to Normandy, France, to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. In a poignant tribute, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers, all military veterans, parachuted from a World War II-era plane over Normandy, emulating the actions of Allied airborne forces during the pivotal 1944 operation.

Twenty-five World War II veterans were accorded a stirring send-off as they boarded a ferry from the U.K. to Normandy, France, on June 4, 2024, marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Their journey was a poignant testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought and perished during one of the most consequential battles of the war.

Simultaneously, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers honored the anniversary by parachuting from a World War II-era U.S. C-47 military transport plane over Normandy. The legislators, clad in World War II military uniforms, retraced the steps of Allied airborne forces who descended upon the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, spearheading the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation.

Among the lawmakers participating in the commemorative jump was Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who reflected on the profound significance of the moment. "We're stepping back in time and trying to think about how many sacrifices were made," he said. "It's one of the greatest opportunities I've had in Congress, to literally recreate and reenact what they did in 1944."

Rep. Mills acknowledged the profound gratitude he felt for the sacrifices made by countless brave men and women during D-Day. "We're really thinking about how many we lost and how lucky we truly are as Americans," he said.

The lawmakers' actions served as a poignant reminder of the dwindling number of D-Day veterans still alive today. Mills noted that this may be one of the last anniversaries attended by these aging veterans.

The bipartisan group of legislators participating in the ceremonial parachute jump included both Republicans and Democrats, all of whom had served in the U.S. armed forces. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., a former Army Ranger, expressed his honor at being able to pay tribute to the veterans in such a meaningful way.

"To be able to honor the veterans who served in those units before me, actually conducting the jump, is certainly a real privilege," said Crow, who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, the same unit that played a critical role in the D-Day operation.

Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, acknowledged the potential risks associated with the jump at his age but emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of the veterans. "It's awesome. It's going to be one of the last D-Day anniversaries where you actually have veterans that were there," he said.

Other lawmakers participating in the jump included Reps. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., Rich McCormick, R-Ga., Keith Self, R-Texas, and House Homeland Security Chair Mark Green, R-Tenn.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day was commemorated not only in Normandy but also in the United States, where events were held to honor the veterans and their sacrifices. President Biden led the U.S. delegation to Normandy, where he delivered a speech honoring the legacy of those who fought in the battle.

The D-Day landings were a pivotal moment in World War II, marking the beginning of the liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. The Allied forces, consisting of American, British, Canadian, and French troops, stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, in a daring amphibious operation that changed the course of the war.

The landings were preceded by extensive planning and intelligence gathering, and involved the deployment of thousands of troops and hundreds of ships and aircraft. The operation was fraught with danger, and thousands of Allied soldiers lost their lives during the invasion.

Despite the challenges, the D-Day landings were a success, and the Allied forces were able to establish a foothold in Normandy. This marked a turning point in the war, and the Allies went on to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.

The 80th anniversary of D-Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who fought in the battle and to honor their legacy. The veterans who participated in the events in Normandy and the United States served their countries with bravery and distinction, and they played a vital role in the Allied victory in World War II.