Biden calls for solidarity with Ukraine at D-Day anniversary ceremony near Normandy beaches

COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France | President Joe Biden marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day on Thursday by declaring “we will not walk away” from defending Ukraine and allowing Russia to further threaten Europe.

“Surrendering to tyrants, bowing to dictators, is simply unthinkable,” he said during a ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery. “If we were to do this, it would mean we would forget what happened here, on these sacred beaches.”

D-Day was the largest amphibious assault in history, and Biden called it “a powerful illustration of how alliances, real alliances make us stronger.” He said it was “a lesson I pray we Americans will never forget.”

The Democratic president's comment serves as a reminder that America's commitments around the world are at stake in this year's White House elections. Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, said he would not defend European allies who are “behind” in their own security spending.

The former president also expressed little enthusiasm for Ukraine's defense, criticizing the “endless flow of American treasures” and expressing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Biden, who is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Friday, hopes that new U.S. munitions deliveries after months of delays can help curb Russian advances on the battlefield.

In his remarks, Biden cited the American troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944 and said, “let us be worthy of their sacrifice.”

“We must remember that just because they were heroes that day does not absolve us from what we must do today,” he said. “Democracy is never guaranteed. Each generation must preserve it, defend it and fight for it. It’s the test of the ages.

Before Biden's remarks, French President Emmanuel Macron told U.S. veterans that “you came here because the free world needed each and every one of you, and you answered the call.”

Macron awarded the Legion of Honor to several of them and kissed them on each cheek as he pinned their medals. Biden followed with handshakes and hugs.

Earlier, Biden and first lady Jill Biden met with more than two dozen U.S. veterans near Omaha Beach, where the fiercest fighting of D-Day took place. Those who could stand were helped out of their wheelchair to pose for photos. Most shook Biden's hand or greeted him; we hugged him.

Biden told veteran that 'you saved the world.' The president led the audience in singing happy birthday to another. Steve Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the Hollywood heavyweights behind World War II movies and TV shows, were nearby.

When Army veteran Robert Gibson approached, the first lady grabbed his arm to help him stand next to the president as they shook hands.

“Don’t get old,” the centenarian from New Jersey joked to the 81-year-old president, who was a toddler on the big day.

This anniversary of the invasion is particularly dark because it will be one of the last with veterans still alive. The youngest survivors are around 90 years old. Biden met with 104-year-old veteran.

In an interview with the Associated Press a few days ago, Gibson described himself as “living on borrowed time.”

He was part of the second wave of troops landing at Utah Beach. Gibson said he expected this year to be the last birthday ceremony he would be able to attend, but he was happy to be back once again.

“I want to see the beach again,” he said.

At the end of his visit to the American cemetery, Biden stopped at the grave of John S. Greenfield, a Private First Class in the Army from Delaware. Greenfield landed at Omaha Beach with the 115th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division.

While his regiment was fighting inland, Greenfield was killed in a German ambush 10 days after D-Day. Greenfield's family learned of his death when a pack of cigarettes sent to him as a gift was returned undelivered, according to the Wilmington Morning News. The word “deceased” was written on his name.

Standing at Greenfield's grave, Biden made the sign of the cross and touched the letters carved into the white marble headstone.

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