WWII Veterans Return to Normandy for Emotional 81st D-Day Commemoration

In a heartfelt journey back in time, a small group of World War II veterans, many now centenarians, have returned to the historic beaches of Normandy to commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day. These brave souls, who once stormed the shores under a hail of gunfire, represent the dwindling few who fought on the front lines for freedom.

The emotional weight of this trip cannot be overstated. With only about 66,000 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in the war still alive in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, each story shared on these sands feels like a precious echo of history. In Normandy, these veterans are greeted as heroes, treated with rock-star admiration by locals who shower them with gratitude and notes of thanks.

Among them is Jack Stowe, a 98-year-old Navy veteran, who recalls lying about his age to enlist after Pearl Harbor. 'The French people here, they’re so good to us,' he shared, noting the heartfelt letters from children he’s received over the years. Stowe believes the stories of Omaha Beach and beyond will live on, refusing to fade into oblivion.

Then there’s Jake Larson, a 102-year-old survivor of the brutal machine gunfire on D-Day at Omaha Beach. His words carry a solemn duty: 'We are the lucky ones… We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive.' Meanwhile, 101-year-old Wally King, a former P-47 Thunderbolt pilot, paid tribute to a fellow aviator alongside his granddaughter, reflecting on what might be one of the last such returns to Normandy.

Organized by the Best Defense Foundation since 2004, this year’s trip brought 23 veterans to these hallowed grounds, down from 50 the year prior. As time marches on, these pilgrimages grow ever more poignant, a reminder of the sacrifices made and the enduring gratitude owed to those who shaped our world.