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Service Members, Veterans Gather to Commemorate D-Day

June 6, 2025 |DOD News

Service members and veterans gathered in Normandy to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Operation Overlord, widely known as D-Day, honoring the pivotal Allied invasion that changed the course of World War II.

U.S. service members salute at a town square during an overcast day.
U.S. service members salute at a town square during an overcast day.
Paying Respects
U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade pay their respects to the service members who fought during World War II as part of the D-Day commemoration in Sainte-Mère-Église, France, June 5, 2025.
Download: Full Size (1.2 MB)
Credit: Army Sgt. Joskanny Lua
VIRIN: 250605-A-VS161-1232
A soldier washes a tombstone shaped like a cross outside.
A soldier washes a tombstone shaped like a cross outside.
Cleaning Headstones
Army Staff Sgt. Mason Puga, a Maryland National Guardsman assigned to the 29th Infantry Division, washes a headstone at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France., June 5, 2025
Download: Full Size (4.8 MB)
Credit: Army Sgt. 1st Class Terra Gatti, National Guard
VIRIN: 250605-Z-SM601-1032
A veteran is wheeled in on a red carpet as a crowed cheers holding U.S. flags and phones.
A veteran is wheeled in on a red carpet as a crowed cheers holding U.S. flags and phones.
Veterans Honored
World War II veterans arrive on a tarmac in Normandy, France, June 1, 2025, for the 81st anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
Download: Full Size (9.5 MB)
Credit: Army Staff Sgt. Aimee Nordin
VIRIN: 250601-A-KQ073-1020A
The commemorations, which included parachute jumps, flyovers and remembrance ceremonies, highlighted the enduring legacy of the largest coordinated land, sea and air operation in U.S. military history. 

From the window of an aircraft, a houses are seen along a beach.
From the window of an aircraft, a houses are seen along a beach.
Commemorative Flyover
An Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, flies over Normandy, France, June 5, 2025. U.S. military personnel and equipment participated in commemorative events as part of the 81st anniversary of D-Day.
Download: Full Size (1.34 MB)
Credit: Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Campbell
VIRIN: 250605-F-XA271-1217E
The back of a bugler is shown playing in front of a wide sky.
The back of a bugler is shown playing in front of a wide sky.
Bugler's Dedication
A bugler assigned to the U.S. Naval Forces in Europe & Africa Band plays taps during a ceremony dedicated to the Bedford Boys at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. On June 6, 1944, soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 116th Infantry Regiment, from the small community of Bedford, Va., were among the first to land on Omaha Beach.
Download: Full Size (2.61 MB)
Credit: Army Sgt. 1st Class Terra Gatti, National Guard
VIRIN: 250606-Z-SM601-1018
More than 600 U.S. service members are taking part in over 80 commemorative events from June 3 to June 8, in about 40 French communities throughout the Normandy region, including the first town to be liberated on the western front, Sainte-Mère-Église.

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Soldiers stand in formation in front of a monument of a soldier wearing a helmet.
A group of soldiers march through cobbled streets in a town during an overcast day.
A general helps a woman carry a wreath outside while a man wearing a suit and a blue, white and red sash looks on.
A veteran walks with a walker while assisted by a woman.
Two veterans sit next to uniformed service members outside during the day.
A soldier greets a veteran sitting on a wheelchair surrounded by people
Historical vehicles and people in World War II outfits line a beach during lowlight.
A special forces member jumps from the back of an aircraft into the fields below while another watches on from the aircraft.
A group of people stand in a line holding banners with faces of World War II service members.
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Spotlight: Commemorating World War II
Experience: Remembering D-Day
Quiz: What's Your D-Day IQ?
World War II Veterans France D-Day

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