For the third straight year, Delta Air Lines Inc. will fly American veterans to Normandy for commemorations of D-Day on June 6, this time marking 80 years since some 160,000 allied troops landed on the northern French region’s beaches to turn the tide in World War II.
Delta is once again chartering a flight from Atlanta, partnering with the Best Defense Foundation to honor the dwindling number of living veterans who helped free Europe from Nazi occupation.
In years past, the veterans have received a hero’s welcome from both the citizens and government of Normandy, where many of the Americans have not traveled since they made a treacherous amphibious landing under German machine gun and artillery fire eight decades ago. This year’s program includes parades, school visits, ceremonies and more.
The collaboration, sponsored by U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing and French tire maker Michelin, was celebrated with a reception at the Metro Atlanta Chamber March 14.
Guests included a three-person delegation from Normandy led by regional council Vice President Nathalie Porte, who offered medals from the region to two veterans present at the event.
Andy Negra traveled on the Delta-chartered flight last year, touching down there for the first time since 1944. This year, Atlanta’s Hilbert Margol, who recently turned 100, will be among the 60 veterans taking the trip. Mr. Margol fought in France along with his identical twin brother, the late Howard Margol. Both helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp. The brothers returned from the war and opened a furniture store in Atlanta. Mr. Margol shared stories with the audience assembled at the chamber.
In her remarks, French Consul General Anne-Laure Desjonquères said France is placing a special emphasis on the 80th anniversary commemorations, with French President Emmanuel Macron organizing a group called “The Liberation Mission” headed by former French Ambassador to the U.S. Philippe Etienne to plan the program.
The events will include a ceremony on Omaha Beach where 17 heads of state including U.S. President Joe Biden are slated to attend, Ms. Desjonqueres said:
“At a time when war has returned to Europe, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine two years ago, the upcoming commemorations will serve as a solemn reminder that the peace and freedom we have enjoyed for the past 80 years are not guaranteed, but are the legacy of the Greatest Generation. The Greatest Generation fought for freedom and democracy, and their sacrifice allowed us to live in peace. We have to show ourselves worthy of this legacy. The United States and Europe must always stand together for the values we fought for 80 years ago.”
Anne-Laures Desjonquères
As she did in 2023, Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick shared stories about her grandfather’s participation in the D-Day landing, but this year she added tidbits about the chamber’s historic role in securing funding for what would become Dobbins Air Force base in 1941 and the Bell Bomber plant in 1942 — now the home of Lockheed Martin’s C130 production in Marietta. Delta also moved to Atlanta in 1941.
Delta also highlighted the Best Defense Foundation’s Next Generation program, which is recruiting students between the ages of 16 and 22 to escort the veterans back to the battlefield. Applications are due April 1 for the trip, which will take place June 1-12. Learn more and apply here.
A Boeing 767-300 will be used to connect the group from Atlanta to the airport Deauville, France, where the airline landed a passenger jet for the first time in 2022.
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