80th anniversary of D-day live updates: Commemorative events underway across Europe

Biden says world must not ‘walk away’ from Ukraine as he marks D-Day anniversary

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — U.S. President Joe Biden has said that “we will not walk away” from Ukraine’s defense as he addressed a D-Day anniversary event.

“To surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable,” Biden said.

“Democracy is never guaranteed. Every generation must preserve it, defend it and fight for it,” he added. “That’s the test of the ages.”

The American veterans recognized for their contributions to WWII

Among those awarded with the Legion of Honor on Thursday are:

Robert Pedigo, a technician who specialized in air weapons. On D-Day, he took part in a strike on a German site near Omaha Beach. He then took part in the bombing campaigns over Normandy and carried out his last combat mission in Germany in September.

Richard Stewart, a communications technician who landed on Omaha Beach in July 1944 and followed his battalion across France, Belgium and Germany.

Hilbert Margol, who arrived in January 1945 in France to join an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He is part of American forces that liberated the Dachau concentration camp.

Ray Tweedel, who landed by sea in Normandy on the night of June 8, 1944, and took part in the war as an oil tanker and ambulance driver.

Roland Martin, who served as a B-17 bomber pilot and carried out three bombing missions in France after he enlisted in 1942. In October 1943, his aircraft was shot down and crashed in a field. He and three other soldiers were taken prisoner of war. He survived 19 months in captivity.

Macron awards 11 US veterans with France’s highest distinction

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France -- French President Emmanuel Macron is awarding eleven U.S. WWII veterans with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, during a D-Day 80th anniversary ceremony.

The men are now 98 to 104 years old.

Macron kissed each of the veterans on both cheeks and warmly greeted them as he pinned a medal on their lapels.

''You came here to make France a free nation. You’re back here today at home, if I may say,” he told them.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy arrives in France for D-Day events alongside Western leaders

OMAHA BEACH, France — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Normandy, France, to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day invasion with Western leaders.

Zelenskyy said on X that he is going to attend important meetings aimed at strengthening his nation at war, and that he is honored to be participating in the D-Day commemoration with President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and others.

“This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy,” Zelenskyy said.

“Allies defended Europe’s freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today.”

103-year-old female British veteran given Legion of Honor award

VERS-SUR-MER, France — French President Emmanuel Macron has bestowed a Legion of Honor award on a 103-year-old female British veteran officer who created detailed maps that guided the crews of landing craft on D-Day.

Christian Lamb sat in a wheelchair as Macron bent down to pin the medal on her and kissed her on both cheeks.

He told her she was one of the “heroes in the shadows” as he described how she was studying in Normandy in 1939 when her father, a Royal Navy admiral, called her back to London on the eve of World War II.

In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Lamb recalled creating maps that “showed railways, roads, churches, castles, every possible feature that could be visible to an incoming invader and from every angle,” Lamb.

“It was intense and exciting work, and obviously detail was vital. It was crucial that the maps were 100% accurate,” she said.

Danish prime minister references Ukraine during D-Day ceremony

SAINT-MARIE-DU-MONT, France — The prime minister of Denmark, has referenced Russian bombing of Kharkiv in Ukraine as she unveiled a monument for Danish nationals who joined the Allied war effort in World War II.

Mette Frederiksen called Kharkiv “a city like any other in Europe but right now a city at the frontline of freedom.” She pledged long-term aid for Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

“Too little too late is not an option,” she said. “There is no alternative to victory.”

Danish King Frederik Christian X pulled away a draped parachute to reveal the Danish memorial inland of Utah Beach.

Prince William praises bravery of Canadian troops in Normandy

UNO BEACH, NORMANDY — Prince William has praised the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian troops as he addressed a D-Day anniversary ceremony on Juno Beach.

The royal was joined by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Canadian D-Day veterans.

Some 14,000 Canadians were part of the 150,000 Allied troops who landed or parachuted into Normandy in 1944.

“Far from home they stormed these very sand dunes behind me, shoulder to shoulder with thousands of British troops,” William said.

Biden meets with veterans in wheelchairs, leads birthday song for one

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — U.S. President Joe Biden has met with American veterans of D-Day as he marked the invasion’s 80th anniversary.

Veterans who could stand were helped out of wheelchairs to pose for photos with the president and first lady Jill Biden. One hugged Biden, another saluted.

When Biden learned it was one of the veterans’ birthday, he led the audience in singing happy birthday.

The first lady clutched the arm of another veteran, Robert Gibson, to help him stand next to Biden as they shook hands.

“Don’t get old,” the 100-year-old man joked to the 81-year-old president, who was a toddler when D-Day took place.

Steve Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the Hollywood heavyweights behind movies and television shows about World War II, were nearby.