On the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, President Biden delivered a poignant tribute to the courage of the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy.
Speaking from the U.S. cemetery in Normandy, he drew parallels between the historic event and the contemporary geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the importance of international alliances in the face of global challenges.
Addressing a crowd of World War II veterans, Biden said, "What the allies did together 80 years ago far surpassed anything we could have done on our own. It was a powerful illustration of how alliances, real alliances, make us stronger. A lesson that I pray we Americans never forget."
In a veiled critique of his predecessor's isolationist policies, Biden underscored the importance of international cooperation, stating, "Isolationism was not the answer 80 years ago and is not the answer today." He highlighted the crucial role of NATO and expressed solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle against "a tyrant bent on domination."
Biden reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to Ukraine, warning of the potential repercussions of abandoning the country in its conflict with Russia. "The struggle between a dictatorship and freedom is unending," he said. "To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators is simply unthinkable. Were we to do that, it means we would be forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches."
The President challenged his audience to stand against tyranny, evil, and brutality, declaring, "We stand for freedom and we defend democracy. We stand together. My answer is yes and only can be yes."
Biden lauded NATO as the "greatest military alliance in history," asserting that the organization is "more united than ever." His comments were met with applause from the crowd.
The D-Day landings, the largest amphibious invasion in history, marked a turning point in World War II. Approximately 150 Americans who participated in the Battle of Normandy, including 24 D-Day veterans, were expected to attend the ceremonies in France.
Biden expressed his deep respect for the veterans present, stating, "From the sea and sky, nearly 160,000 allied troops descended on Normandy. Many, to state the obvious, never came home. Many survived that longest day, kept on fighting for months until victory was finally won. And a few notable band of brothers are here with us today."
He singled out several veterans for their contributions, including one who provided gunfire support to rangers scaling the Point du Hoc cliffs and another who protected the infantry against the German air force. He also acknowledged Ben Miller, a medic who survived a plane crash when the wings of the plane were ripped off.
Biden arrived at the ceremony alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, first lady Jill Biden, and Frances first lady Brigitte Macron. The ceremony included a flyover by U.S. World War II planes and the playing of both national anthems.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also delivered remarks, honoring the veterans and stating they laid the foundation for a more just, free, and decent world and built peace out of war.
Prior to the ceremony, Biden met with 41 veterans, 31 of whom were at D-Day, telling them theyre the greatest generation and saved the world.
Biden is also scheduled to deliver remarks at Pointe du Hoc on Friday focused on preserving democracy. His visit will conclude on Sunday with a stop at the same cemetery where Trump was unable to visit due to weather in 2018 and reportedly referred to those buried there as losers and suckers, comments Biden has repeatedly cited to criticize his predecessor.
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