Honoring World War II heroes on 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy

ABC News' David Muir in Normandy welcoming World War II veterans on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
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[@Worldwar1944]

2:18 Damn at 102 and still works at the same place since 1964. A true man. God bless

[@dallasyap3064]

That's 60 years of dedication to that place. Many people change jobs after like maybe 10-15 years maybe. This vet literally 60 years. Respect to him.

[@zamiadams4343]

I wouldn't be sitting here typing this on my computer without these brave men, they all fought for everybodies freedom and they will never ever be forgotten.

[@makeuthink2120]

Really? Which freedom?

[@m.s.3798]

My dad, 4th Infantry didn't talk about for 60 years. When he did, he cried. Love you daddy.

[@cathycotte4399]

Rest in peace i pray for all Who delivered us glory to vétérans, Angers in Normandy, merci pour la 🇫🇷 France 🌿🙏🕊

[@meganmiller3164]

These men are absolute heroes. It’s such a shame we are losing so many of them. Truly the Greatest Generation. We owe them everything!

[@ives3572]

Nothing but utmost respect for all those brave souls who fought valiantly and honorably, and gave up their lives for something greater than themselves.

[@martaupward5992]

What a precious group of students. I am so glad they got to hear from a WW2 vet before they all leave us.

[@loonycushion]

we are all coming into the light

[@Rikardiho]

Lol some of those "precious" students didn't look interested

[@iowastate358]

They fought for Feminist, LGBTQ pride in elementary schools, and mass open boarders immigration!

[@Ahayhee]

​@Rikardiho No offense but those "students" likely had stay there for hours recording. Sitting in front of a bunch of cameras with many different thoughts would likely keep me distracted in my mind too.

[@Quaker-tc8ue]

@@iowastate358 the word you want is ‘border’ not ‘boarder.’

[@user-vd3ne9cg2i]

this will be the last decade the men who fought in d-day are alive they are the greatest generation

[@topturretgunner]

The thought of their passing saddens me. These men of my fathers generation. Dad fought in WWII and like many other men he rarely ever spoke of his experiences.

[@csas80]

My great uncle was part of that group. He was a medic under general Patton. He landed on Normandy on D-day. He ran for a group of trees, his helmet fell off and he had to get one off a dead body. He survived that day and later had to have a metal plate put on his head from a land mine going off while he was saving a wounded man. My mom has his metals, he received a purple heart, and many others. He lived 60 more years after the war and passed when I was a teenager. Very wonderful man! He never had children of his own, so my mom and her siblings were his children. RIP Newton Thomas

[@jaymudd2817]

Army Group Patton?

[@ozmaoz325]

My grandfather was there, Scottish division. He is still in France, grave unknown. And his name, Thomas Newton.

[@daniellemorocco9242]

It’s beautiful that you keep his memory alive. Thank you for sharing!! God bless his brave soul!!🙏🏽❤️🤍💙

[@daniellemorocco9242]

@@ozmaoz325 do ancestry they have all the records!! God bless his brave soul.🙏🏽❤️I hope one day you will find out the UNKNOWN part!!

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Much respect, but it can't have been under Patton. Patton was not involved in D-Day. He was in England. Patton's 3rd Army did not join the Normandy campaign fighting until 1st August, nearly 2 months after D-Day. Only the US 1st Army under Bradley landed on Omaha and Utah beaches. British 2nd Army under Dempsey (which the Canadians were part of at the time) landed on the other 3 beaches Gold, Juno and Sword. Montgomery was overall C-in-C of all allied ground forces including the Americans.

[@anotherabeer4341]

Those young students are lucky and will always be able to say they’ve met a real live DDAY veteran who spoke to them. Wow.

[@carolynsmith7798]

So many losses; my Dad landed later, was delayed. I am so grateful for their sacrifices.

[@vichocker9221]

I'm an OIF vet, I wish we had that pride of good vs. evil. Salute to the greatest generation!

[@davidhuber7552]

I visited the American cemetery in Normandy a number of years ago. It was a moving experience.

[@Nonsensically]

Dad never fully recovered from that war. Rest in peace Dad.

[@ladylight66]

My WWII Front lines Army Dad never recovered from all the hell he went through & from losing his only brother & his best friend too

[@tbnobs]

I had seen the war effect my father 25 years later I know your heartbreak God bless the greatest generation

[@cathycotte4399]

God bless all whmade 🇫🇷 France free i pray for them amen

[@iowastate358]

They fought for feminist, LGBT and immigrants. Diversity is our strength.

[@Nonsensically]

@@iowastate358 They fought because Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. If Japan had not bombed us, most Americans were opposed to entering the war. They were in the midst’s the Great Depression where most went to bed hungry. The things you listed were not even on the list of things they were fighting for. Stop deluding yourself because it fits your narrative. 🤦‍♀️

[@topturretgunner]

Thank you ABC News. As the eldest son of a WWII veteran who served on Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater, a Vietnam era Navy veteran myself and a history follower. I have a very deep and abiding love and respect for these men. Rightly proclaimed by journalist Tom Brokaw as the greatest generation the thought that all to soon the last of these men , my father’s generation will be gone. While my heart gets heavy at this thought it is warmed with gratitude for what their sacrifices provided. I only hope that we who follow will appreciate and preserve what they sacrificed their very lives for.

[@daisi4925]

Bless each and every one who fought in WWII. My father was a vet, but he refused to talk about it. Sometimes he would tell me something but that was few. I salute all from past, present and future soldiers.

[@user-er4qd6gq7f]

Thank God men did battle in our defense of freedom. They suffered and died for me to write this post, I'm scared this next generation will not know the sacrifice! Ronald Raegan said; "freedom is but a generation away!"

[@moisesperez4605]

And he was right, This new generation, does not know the sacrifice it takes, for us to have our freedoms.

[@scottrayhons2537]

The new generation will be plinking away on their computer or looking at their phone trying to figure out what's going on.

[@cindythomas5895]

The “Greatest” generation!!!! Never forget !!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ives3572]

"They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate." - President Franklin D. Roosevelt, radio broadcast, June 6, 1944

[@krystastefanosky6173]

My granddad never talked about his experience in WWII. This is truly the greatest generation. There was a job that had to be done, and they did it.

[@user-kn9mt5tx9w]

Они сделали, а вы поддерживаете Зеленского, который за фашиста Бандеру

[@aidangreen9746]

May every man who gave their life and bled for a better future, rest in eternal peace ✝️❤️

[@kimclarke5018]

23000 British, Canadian, and American men died in the first three days. Many were under the age of 20 and never got to live their lives. Never forget the sacrifice these then very young men made. Never forget….

[@greeneyedlady5580]

Wow! I had no idea there were that many casualties that quickly. What a horrible amount of suffering and loss, yet there would have been even more if Hitler and the NAZIS hasn't been stopped.

[@topturretgunner]

@@greeneyedlady5580 historical fact: the moment that the Japanese bomb that struck the US Navy Battleship Arizona exploded on December 7, 1941 in mere seconds 1,144 young men perished. Omaha beach, Dog green sector was where the heaviest loss of American life took place June 6, 1944. The day that the surf literally turned red with blood. Truly they were “ The Greatest Generation”.

[@tbone9603]

Unfortunately nobody cares. People care less and less as time goes by. Don’t forget the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

[@makeuthink2120]

What were they, along with the USSR, fighting for?

[@deadmeat8754]

We are so thankful for the sacrifices those men made to preserve our freedoms and liberate the oppressed!

[@Meme-mq4nu]

It was such moving experience when we visited the cemetery last summer. We decided to take our teenage kids to visit D-Day sites and pay respect those who sacrificed their lives. I’m so glad I can give this opportunity to my kids to see with their own eyes and learn more about D-Day. We left Normandy with a heart full of gratitude and thankfulness. My kids still want to go back to revisit.

[@InnocentPotato-pd7wi]

So glad these brave men survived that battle! My Great -Uncle , a Staff Sgt. in the US Army died on a beach on February 19,1944! I think UNION General William T. Sherman said this to General US Grant shortly after the bloody battle of Shiloh. "WAR IS HELL!" I am sure most soldiers would agree!

[@greeneyedlady5580]

I'm glad too. My mother's twin brother was shot down over Italy in 1944. The only time I ever saw my mother cry was the one time I asked about him.

[@pita3908]

war is senseless just a waste of life, just heartbreaking that many did not return home, blessings to these US vets who are able to share their story of Normandy.

[@vegasishome2043]

Just watched this & I am crying. What a phenomenal segment about our vets. Makes me miss my grandpa who was in the Pacific.

[@ResellingHistory]

Thank you for your service we will never forget you gentlemen and women who served with courage and love of country.

[@stacyscooby8488]

Thank you for your service and fighting for us all . Thank you for telling us your story . we apricate you thank you For what you did for us all .

[@moisesperez4605]

Jake, honorable man, like all these men in this interview are, I praise Jake that he’s going to all the high schools to let them know of the sacrifices that need to be made each day within America, freedom is not free, and we must protect that November 5 will be a day. of remembrance either democracy lives or dies. God bless America.

[@tbnobs]

We all owe the men of D day are utmost respect and gratitude they saved the world that day GOD BLESS THEM ALL

[@laskey2175]

Heroes.

[@garydare2238]

The Greatest Generation!

[@moisesperez4605]

Yes, sir, the greatest generation

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Why are they any greater than the WW1 generation etc? Serious question.

[@tbone9603]

@@lyndoncmp5751They’re NOT, The Greatest Generation has yet to come!

[@DW-bg4in]

Thank you for all their services and sacrifices, each and everyone of them, whether they made it home, or stayed on the beach forever.

[@zeke5491]

I’m thankful all the WWII veterans are not here to see what this country has become

[@paulettemaximun2505]

They are here in spirit and doing/helping........

[@maxstrongCW]

They would be ashamed of maga and trump.

[@j.l.5935]

Why you say that? What if someday this country is surprised by the North Korea or Russia war in the future!

[@yarddogjones3914]

@@maxstrongCW Says Maxine as he sits in his mums basement waiting for her to bring his hot pocket down.

[@zeke5491]

@@j.l.5935 The communists they fought now run the country

[@tinydanceryoutube]

Well done. My husband always said freedom isn't free. I cried hearing that again. RIP Frank Edgar Ragland.

[@JNC12]

Love from across the pond and holding the same respect for our own - always your closest ally - GB + USA

[@ithacacomments4811]

My father was in the 101st Airborne on D Day. He died at the age of 68 on 6/6/94...the 50th Anniversary.😮

[@sophielegault2278]

80 years ago today the Battle of D - Day occurred in Normandy France on Juno Beach June 6th, 1944

[@RNSK8r]

During WWII my father was a paratrooper, infantry of the 101st Airborne Division & I remember his stories of his days in the service. He talked about his days @ Normandy. He also said our government lied about the things that happened during war & he did not trust our own government because of it! He would be 100 yrs & 7 mo old if he were still with us. He was the bravest man I ever knew!

[@mikegaul4380]

No generations after them will ever know their sacrifice! God Bless

[@howardeden4781]

My. Grandfather was a world war 2 veteran and he fought against Adolf Hitler and Germany and he was a. D day. And. I. Name after my grandfather and I very proud of my grandfather

[@howardeden4781]

Thank you

[@howardeden4781]

Thank you

[@makeuthink2120]

"You must understand that this war is not against Hitler or National Socialism, but against the strength of the German people, which is to be smashed once and for all, regardless of whether it is in the hands of Hitler or a Jesuit priest." - Winston Churchill

[@beatrizperdomo8277]

The Band of Brothers continues....God bless all the soldiers in the world.🙏

[@charlesfiscus4235]

Those men whom are laying in those graves are the greatest heroes of the greatest generation

[@dallasyap3064]

God bless all these veterans. Sad that only 1% of them remain.

[@danny_27676]

most gave some,some gave all

[@eamo106]

Impressive ABC News ! No politics, just a true story of heroes ! Well done.

[@Shirley-vn5we]

This makes me want to cry its so sad war is not a good thingc

[@dennish300]

My father and four uncles served in WWII. Luckily, they all came home. The greatest generation! With perhaps the exception of our founding fathers, and those who fought in the Revolutionary War.

[@TxLass]

My father and his 3 brothers all served and all came home. The first of the brothers to pass away was my uncle who jumped with the 101st. He died from cancer in 1982 and never got to return to Normandy. Dad was the last to pass away in 2007. God, how I miss them all.

[@screambloodygoremusic]

So thankful for u all service members past and present. Is the reason I'm able to enjoy my freedoms ❤

[@raymondsun5946]

Beautifully produced. Thank you for honoring these veterans.

[@daniellemorocco9242]

There was a job to be done and we did it😭 God bless you Heroes🙏🏽❤️if my grandma were here today a Holocaust survivor she would say we are alive today because of those brave souls my grand daughter.. God bless the souls of our fallen and God bless all who served. Forever in my heart.❤️🪽

[@normadesmond6017]

I'm from the south of the Netherlands. This part of Europe was liberated in 1944. A part of the rest of my country had to go through the hell of the "hungerwinter" before beeing liberated in 1945. My hometown, 's- hertogenbosch, was freed from the nazi's by a Welsh and Polish division. Beeing freed from occupation is remembered every year in this country on the 5th of may and i's called Liberation day. It is a national celebration day. The 4th of may is a memorial day for all those who lost their lifes during the war. We will never forget

[@howardeden4781]

I. Love. My grandfather and was. A. Year half. Old. When. My. Grandfather dead and that. Why. I. Proud of my grandfather name. And. I. Miss. Him. And. Dad and my. Friends and family members I lost over the years

[@howardeden4781]

Thank you

[@hunter7e7]

David, why don’t you tell your audience why this happened? I’m sure many young individuals have no idea of the history related to this.

[@user9b2]

Because this is not a history lesson, people can search the internet about D-Day, this is to honor them, dead and alive.

[@j.l.5935]

You don't go to the service???

[@hunter7e7]

@@j.l.5935 you make no sense

[@j.l.5935]

@@hunter7e7 🤔🫤

[@Quaker-tc8ue]

@@user9b2 erm, no. The reason D-Day *happened* was to liberate Europe from the Third Reich. Jews and other ‘undesirables’ were being hunted and killed. After Hitler had all of Europe under ‘his’ control, his plan was to invade other countries, create “utopia.’

[@eddaniels3404]

My uncle took the Marines to D day. On the O'Hare. The typhoon s were scary 😅.

[@trevorcarlin5566]

The questions and reactions from those young students made me shed a tear.

[@bikenavbm1229]

Tim, I'm from Wales and be assured its not just the French who have the Greatest Respect and Gratitude for what you and your fellow Warriors did on that June morning and continued to do so untill the job was done, and all the other theatres of conflict too. I too travelled over for the 80th, 70th and 60th too, a easy task for myself compared to yours. Thank You Sir.

[@RobertDevitt-xf8mn]

I was there for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day 1 of 91 Australians invited by Historic Programs to visit and take part in the ceremonies our marching band was in the main parade.(the Riverwood Hornets) I got to meet and talk to one of the American veterans, a great honour. Our boys took home many great memories which will be with them for life. Our boys also made some great friends among the American bands. So so glad we were there.❤

[@user-Hilbilitkr924]

These men did what had to be done. They fought the nazi's and fascism. Now, so many people in this country proudly display nazi flags. It's a disgrace to the thousands upon thousands of young men who died for our freedom. I salute these men and women for their sacrifice and bravery.

[@user-sn6ye7ws1f]

Deze mensen zijn engelen van de vrijheid, bedanken is niet genoeg de woorden die wij gebruiken zijn te klein om de bevrijders te bedanken ❤

[@christopherparrisjr.3146]

My great uncle landed on Omaha on D-Day +1. His unit was stationed there until December. His life was never the same after the war. He died prematurely at 39.

[@warplane334]

My great uncle was part of the force that stormed the beach on Normandy. He was a machinists mate on an LST. He was injured and taken back to the US and he lived until 2010.

[@jimreilly6933]

As I read this the only other flying Lancaster bomber flew right over my house here in Hamilton, Ontario. What a noise those four Merlin engines make ! Superb.

[@Shirley-vn5we]

Good night David thank u for reporting ur always do a great job we love u David

[@patriciahosnay8794]

They showed such courage and endurance of the human spirit❤

[@engrkaru_]

Thank you for your service and for keeping the Freedom for all the people in this world 😊

[@ilovetvanddigitalmedia]

ABC News- amazing coverage, thank you. You are the only major network that cares enough to do this in depth coverage. I and my WWll veteran Dad in heaven cannot thank you enough.

[@Mrskyman737]

Back then when men were real men! Salute 🫡

[@kellymay3774]

God bless

[@cathycotte4399]

Victory, freedom, God bless you all Who delivered France 🇫🇷 in 1944 jeune 6th. Angels in Normandy. Merci 🇨🇵😇🕊🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@benjaminkitchen6257]

God bless America greatest generation

[@Naniumayawa]

100 years plus in age and they still have more balls than 99% of the youth today.. .

[@johngil4451]

They don’t make them like that anymore. They were the greatest generation.

[@sorinprandea3829]

Tot respectul pentru acești oameni fenomenali care au luptat pentru libertate! Cu stima și respect!

[@CathyMeyer-iv1ni]

My dad was. There gpd rest his soul

[@jst.martin2180]

Thank You so very much. 🇺🇸

[@joshjacobo3229]

Sir for the rest of time you all are honored

[@hawaii923]

Thank you, ABC News, for doing this important and significant story. We must always honor the Greatest Generation for the sacrifice they made for every American.

[@user-hr4gn7jk1b]

Thanks you David Muir God bless you all and God saved safe you all smart Power Great Nice strong Richest faster the best better and win.

[@marinstallings6133]

My great-grandfather, I believe, was going to serve on this beach, but someone became sick in his battalion so everyone including him ended up not fighting on that beach. My father, sister, and myself and all who are related to him would not be here today if my great-grandfather and his battalion fought on that beach. Thank you all so much to those who fought on that beach!!

[@cheezettegazette]

My grandad would've been 104 years old this year. He never saw combat, but he was in charge of bringing supplies and men to the beaches of Normandy.

[@Joey501st]

Thx to them there generation saved the world

[@tinydanceryoutube]

Thank you, David, for this important story.

[@o.h.i.o9838]

If it wasn't for folks like the gentlemen there, we would be speaking German right now. Thank you, my beautiful American Soldiers. God bless American

[@carolbarry5744]

The sacrifices made by so many ... It's heartbreaking that so many died for our country only to see it be so disrespected and disgraceful today. This group of young people are very few.

[@55giantsfan22]

Thank you heros

[@ReaganFoundation]

Today, we are joining the country and the world to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, an occasion marked brilliantly by President Reagan 40 years ago on that day in 1984 when he delivered one of his most famous speeches highlighting the selfless and heroic actions of the "boys of Pointe du Hoc." We invite you to tune in to our commemoration as well. kzbin.infox8lsOFrzNNI?si=akmHUAOocaT9DwmI

[@chrislastnam6822]

It was written by the WSJ's Peggy Noonan.

[@cesarordaz139]

Never forget!

[@sumitharanabahu1924]

Heroes 🙏❤️rest In Peace

[@EAV123_]

80 years

[@Bodie-Boy]

My father literally drove the 3rd tank onto Omaha beach on d-day. He said that they were delayed by 3 hours from driving onto the beach cause they collectively refused to drive over the dead American soldiers that littered the beach. Yet whenever anyone acknowledged his efforts, he'd always say that the real hero's never made it home.

[@irishisle5161]

Absolutely Our Greatest Generation

[@michaelduffy5909]

As well the vets that served in New Guinea and PI

[@gaillynnesnowjackson]

I’m pleased to see the school teaching our history. I believe they should have stood up tho - in respect and gratitude. I do not know all there is to know about war and the scheming minds of the leaders of nations abroad. But THIS I am certain of… the freedoms and lives we live as we know it - we as Americans are able to enjoy our current rights because of the multitudes that fought for it - as far back as the 1700’s. My father served 30years in the Marine Corps thru WWII and Vietnam. I AM PROUDLY his daughter. On July 4 2026, the United States of America will be 250 years old. 1976 was our bicentennial, and nearly every product was red, white and blue - was great to see! I won’t be here on our tricentennial, hopefully my son will…. and my prayer for future Americans is they never forget those that gave you freedom.

[@MonaeMalome-dq6ru]

❤ Thank you, Jehovah God.. For this documentation..Please help the souls of these veterans.. Please forgive them for the shedding of your blood. It's sad that the return home to die on American soil being killed..❤ Thank you, David Muir, for honoring these beautiful souls ❤. Sing in Heaven Uncle Ira..❤

[@petervandenbroeck4183]

6:30 a.m. H-hour for Omaha and Utah Beaches: U.S. soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division began storming Utah Beach while U.S. regiments of the 1st and 29th infantry divisions and Army Rangers assaulted Omaha Beach. My father was originally assigned to the 115th Regiment of the 29th Division. They hit Omaha at 10:00 am after the 116th did at 6:30 am. A training accident during boot camp got my Father moved to US Army counterintelligence. He arrived D DAY +3 and no doubt that accident saved his life. All of those in his original platoon died at the landing or in the fighting thereafter. "Beyond the Beachhead" is a great book that describes the fighting after DDAY to St. LO.

[@davidkillen2207]

A solider from my hometown got killed on D-Day. His name is Alvin Threet. He was a friend of my uncles. They played Football at Coffee High School…

[@InnocentPotato-pd7wi]

My Great Uncle died in Anzio, !

[@InnocentPotato-pd7wi]

Italy

[@greeneyedlady5580]

My mother's twin brother was shot down over Italy in 1944.

[@InnocentPotato-pd7wi]

@@greeneyedlady5580 A lot of us have that sad history! But we did have to beat Hitler!

[@vincently1995]

80 Years Ago

[@samuelculper4231]

Wow love this 🇺🇸