US President Joe Biden on Wednesday began a state visit to France as the country marks 80 years since the D-Day landings in Normandy. Three days of ceremonies will pay homage to the victims of Nazi occupation.
The largest military invasion by sea in history counted more than 10,000 casualties and became a pivotal moment in the war against Nazi Germany.
Along with French President Emmanuel Macron, British King Charles III and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Biden will on Thursday remember the heroism of the Allied troops who sacrificed their lives on 6 June, 1944.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian President Sergio Mattarella will also be present at the commemorations in Normandy as a sign of international post-World-War-II reconciliation.
This year’s anniversary is likely the last major commemoration in which D-Day veterans, now nearing 100 years old, are on hand to bear witness.
Some 200 veterans are expected to attend – a number that dwindles every year.
Biden, who was greeted early Wednesday at Orly airport by Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, will spend five days in France.
He will speak at the formal 80th anniversary ceremony on Thursday, while on Friday he will deliver a high-profile speech on the power of democracy from the famed Pointe du Hoc cliffs that separates Omaha and Utah beaches, where American troops landed.
Biden “really believes we’re at an inflection point in history” John Kirby, spokesman for the National Security Council, told CNN. “It’s tied to the way geopolitics are changing, the way challenges are being presented to us around the world.”
New war rages
The US leader will also sit down for talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Kyiv has warned that Russia risks gaining the upper hand in the war without a substantial increase help from Western countries. Macron has refused to rule out sending troops to Ukraine.
No official from Russia has been invited to the D-Day commemorations after Paris reversed plans to host lower-level representatives in recognition of the Soviet Union's immense contribution in World War II.
Biden’s trip is also designed to underscore his commitment to US allies in Europe and contrast his vision of democracy with his 2024 political opponent Donald Trump.
He will mark the first state visit of his presidency to France on Saturday during talks at the Elysée Palace with Macron, before leaving on Sunday.
(with newswires)
