Georgian centenarian Andy Negra was among the 60 or so World War II veterans flown to Normandy by Delta, where they were greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron and other worlds leaders at an 80th anniversary celebration of D-Day June 6. Credit: Delta Air Lines / Delta Air Lines

Some of the final surviving veterans who landed on the shores of Normandy to wrest France from Nazi control during World War II traveled back to that hallowed ground for the 80th anniversary of D-Day this week — in large part thanks to Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines.

The airlines continued what has become an annual tradition: flying some of the last veterans of the war from Atlanta to the northern French region where an amphibious assault involving nearly 160,000 troops helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the Allied Powers.

Delta was the presenting sponsor of this year’s Battlefield Return tour operated by the Best Defense Foundation and also sponsored by Boeing and Michelin. [Learn more about last year’s send-off in this story]

Delta’s chartered Boeing 767-300 left June 2 from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport destined for Deauville, France, carrying about 60 veterans from Georgia and around the nation, some of whom were returning to Normandy for the first time, while others served in the war in other theaters. The group was received upon arrival by French First Lady Brigitte Macron.

This year’s festivities took on a particular poignancy, given the dwindling number of surviving men and women who can provide firsthand testimony of their experiences during the war.

The international community also placed greater attention on the event this year, as some 25 world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden traveled to France to mark the occasion on June 6. Some 14,000 guests joined the commemorations and a total of 170 veterans.

Andy Negra, a Georgia veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and turned 100 May 28, made the trip to Normandy for the second straight year.

This time, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Mr. Negra and his brothers in arms with an embrace and a kiss. Mr. Biden also shook each veteran’s hand and personally thanked them on behalf of the United States during a ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. Dignitaries in attendance included Prince William of the United Kingdom and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Hilbert Margol turned 100 in February.

Another Georgia veteran, Hilbert Margol, was one of 13 veterans transported by Delta to receive France’s Legion of Honor medal, the country’s highest military decoration, during the trip.

Mr. Margol, who turned 100 in February, did not participate in D-Day, but he fought in France and helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp in Germany as part of the 42nd Infantry Division. He and his identical twin brother returned to the U.S. and opened a furniture store in Atlanta. [View a video of his Legion of Honor ceremony with Mr. Macron]

Delta CEO Ed Bastian met with regional president of Normandy Hervé Morin to express the airline’s gratitude for their reception in the region.

For more information, the Consulate General of France in Atlanta has been posting updates about the visit on its website and social media platforms.

See a pre-departure slideshow below:

  • Veterans gathered for a departure dinner the night before heading to France. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Andy Negra, right, turned 100 in May and traveled to Normandy last year as well. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Veterans received a hero’s welcome at the Atlanta airport before takeoff. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Veterans received a hero’s welcome at the Atlanta airport before takeoff. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Veterans received a hero’s welcome at the Atlanta airport before takeoff. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Veterans received a hero’s welcome at the Atlanta airport before takeoff. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Veterans received a hero’s welcome at the Atlanta airport before takeoff. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Veterans received a hero’s welcome at the Atlanta airport before takeoff. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Former NFL football player and Best Defense Foundation founder Donnie Edwards, right, traveled with the group. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • Veterans board the Delta flight to Normandy. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • A water cannon salute sends off the veterans from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on June 2. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines
  • The flight crew of the Boeing 767-300 that would land in Deauville. Credit: Rank Studios / Courtesy of Delta Air Lines

As managing editor of Global Atlanta, Trevor has spent 15+ years reporting on Atlanta’s ties with the world. An avid traveler, he has undertaken trips to 30+ countries to uncover stories on the perils...

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