Remembering D-DAY 75 Years Later: Pres. Trump gives speech in Normandy with allies, saluting the rouge, blanc and bleu
Said Trump: "9,388 young Americans rest beneath the white crosses and stars of David arrayed on these beautiful grounds. Each one has been adopted by a French family... they come, they kneel, they pray."
He recognized 60 men by name. With the tombstones of nearly 10,000 soldiers as the somber backdrop, in English the French president said, "We know what we owe" to World War II veterans."
The survival of the brutal Normandy battle are now in their 90s.
To the 107 war heroes present Trump said, "You are among the greatest Americans who will ever live. You are the pride of our nation. You are the glory of our Republic and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
The president acknowledged Russell Pickett, 94. At only 19 years old on D-Day Pickett operated a flame thrower to protect his infantry. "Tough guy," POTUS said of Pickett, whose boat was blown to pieces before he made it to the beach, adding "You honor us all with your presence."
Pres. Macron walked over to help Pickett stand as people applauded in a standing ovation and Pres. Trump gave him a warm hug.
In perhaps his most beautifully written speech, POTUS spoke of the "unbreakable bond" of the Western Alliance. To honor the fallen and those who fought during the invasion, there were 7 fly overs A tri-colored fly over from French and American pilots who left a trail of red, white and blue smoke signifying the lasting unity between the nations
A number of U.S. lawmakers were present in the crowd, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sens. James Lankford (OK) and John Barraso (WY).
The White House has passed along the following excerpts from President Trump’s speech this afternoon (note the time difference) to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day:
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We are gathered here on Freedom's Altar. On these shores, on these bluffs, on this day 75 years ago, ten thousand men shed their blood-and thousands sacrificed their lives-for their brothers, for their countries, and for the survival of liberty.
Today, we remember those who fell here, and we honor all who fought here. They won back this ground for civilization.
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The enemy who occupied these heights saw the largest naval armada in history on the horizon. Just a few miles offshore were 7,000 vessels bearing 130,000 warriors. They were the citizens of free and independent nations, united by their duty to their compatriots and to millions yet unborn.
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To all of our friends and partners - our cherished alliance was forged in the heat of battle, tested in the trials of war, and proven in the blessings of peace. Our bond is unbreakable.
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The exceptional MIGHT came from an exceptional SPIRIT. The abundance of courage came from an abundance of faith. The great deeds of our Army came from the great depths of their love.
Today concludes the president's 5-day visit to Europe that officially began on Monday with a state visit with Queen Elizabeth, II. All allies observed D-Day in various events between June 5-6, reflecting the enduring relationship with the U.S. While there were anti-Trump protests in the UK, the visit has been generally positive despite an earlier rift with the Mayor of London due to an insulting tweet about his height Trump sent just before arrival.
Today concludes the president's 5-day visit to Europe that officially began on Monday with a state visit with Queen Elizabeth, II. All allies observed D-Day in various events between June 5-6, reflecting the enduring relationship with the U.S. While there were anti-Trump protests in the UK, the visit has been generally positive despite an earlier rift with the Mayor of London due to an insulting tweet about his height Trump sent just before arrival.
