D-Day anniversary: Veterans meet at Omaha Beach, 79 years later

World War II veterans shared vivid memories of D-Day and the fighting as dozens returned to Normandy beaches and key battle sites to mark the 79th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi control.
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[@cellpat2686]

Impressive to see these 100 year old survivors talk about it like it had just happened. So full of live and their memories told in such livid way. Thank you all.

[@theyliedtoyouaboutworldwar1944]

Patton: "we fought the wrong enemi" Truth not fears investigation. Lets goooooooo!

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

once these last living links to sane society are gone i suspect that is when idiocracy will officially commence

[@BryonLetterman]

something as traumatic and life altering as D Day will always stick in your mind and be a vivid memory for you your entire life

[@Headbangerr-en2cc]

Well, if it happened during their lifetime, it means that it wasn't so long ago.

[@Peter-gv2gn]

And the British veteran ' waiting for my next job in the Ukraine ', marvellous.

[@Kenedienz]

XD

[@houliemon1315]

You SHOULDN'T be going there or the US ! It's NOT our fight !

[@TrainerNomed]

@@houliemon1315 Did comrade Trump tell you that?

[@willl7780]

the LGBTQ empire supports ukraine

[@Dennisblue]

those men who landed on Normandy and all those men who fought in WWll have my greatest respect. Also all those who supported the war effort have my greatest respect.

[@Seahorse0418]

The greatest generation of all time. My grandpa served. I wish he was still around to tell me his stories again. Much gratitude and thanks to all of the soldiers. ❤

[@squangan]

My grandpa served to, he’s been gone since 1976.

[@theyliedtoyouaboutworldwar1944]

Patton: "we fought the wrong enemi" Truth not fears investigation. Lets goooooooo!

[@Anakin_Sandy_High_Ground]

@@theyliedtoyouaboutworldwar1944 yeah but Patton wasnt gonna be the one to fight the russians was he. He would be miles behind the frontline.

[@byronjordan6882]

​@@squangan great man and a hero. He like so many played a big role that ended that war.

[@theyliedtoyouaboutworldwar1944]

@Content_enjoyer get a GDL flyer

[@baileybrewer1172]

Him saying he can't remember when he had a pain - wow. As a 26 year old with lifelong chronic pain, I'm happy he doesn't have to deal with it. No one deserves it, but especially not one who has already given so much. Thanks for your service, Pappa Jake.

[@AR_119]

I'm 27 with severe constant back pain and knee pain. I cant imagine what I will be like at 80 if I ever make it that far.

[@NautilusSSN571]

Fr Papa Jake was going to war with a backpack full of gear and a rifle marching long as distances every day, is 100 years old and doesn't have chronic pain, legend

[@DenimChicken]

These guys are the true meaning of men. They didn't grow up playing video games and mama breastfeeding them til they were 20.

[@headbanger1853]

I'm 30 with also lifelong chronic pain, can't fathom how Pappa Jake doesn't have aches at age 100. I thank him for his service.

[@toolittletoolate3917]

My father went ashore at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He never said a single word about it. I only found out when my mother passed away and I had to go through her things. Among her effects was a packet of photos, yellow and faded, of my father and his brothers in arms. There were notes on the reverse sides describing the date, location, names, etc. I sat there with my mouth hanging open. How could he go through something like that and never speak of it? But that’s what men were expected to do - make any sacrifice, accomplish the goal, and never complain.

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

It’s also trauma. No one wants to talk about their trauma because of the headspace it sends them to.

[@jamesorenthal-bm4sp]

Real men. Doing what must be done. I salute you and the world thanks you.

[@jamesbarker2567]

Yeah Yep.The World Is Greatly Lacking People Men Guys Like This

[@A.J.1656]

The women too.

[@nuclearjesus421]

​@@jamesbarker2567Disagree. Have you seen how many men and women that signed up to to fight the Russian invaders in Ukraine?

[@sickfarce6275]

I was born and raised in germany, my grandfathers were in the war, as well as some great uncles, my grandmothers experienced it all from home, got displaced, lost everything. etc. And I was lucke enough to be born on the western side of the wall. And I can't thank these countless allied men and women enough. I will never forget what you did. You liberated western europe. You helped to end genocide, slavery, oppression. Let the meaning of this sink in. And even if the people of germany didn't felt liberated, but beaten and humiliated back then, and rightly so, you also saved future german generations. I'm researching D-Day and WWII for 25 years now and I still can hardly fathom what planning, resources, courage, suffering and heroism it all took. I draw a direct line between the actions of these guys and the life my family and me were and are able to enjoy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@ccchhhrrriiisss100]

Well said. In fact, it is difficult to think of any other days in the history of the world that had such an important and subsequent impact on millions of people. In 1945, the people of Germany were liberated from the German National Socialists. Just over 40 years later, Americans considered the people of West Germany to be a beacon of strength in the resistance against the Soviets. One of the great moments came 43 years following the end of the war when President Ronald Reagan visited Berlin. At the Brandenburg Gate, he famously invited Gorbachev to Berlin to "tear down this wall." A few years later, it was torn down.

[@jinsvunsolved]

​@@ccchhhrrriiisss100 Ich wurde am 9. November. 1989 als deutscher Soldaten vereidigt, am Tag als die Mauer in Berlin fiel. Vor mir waren 3 Generationen meiner Familie ebenfalls Soldaten, die ersten 2 sind in WW I und WW II gefallen, mein Vater war wie ich auch Wehrpflichtig im Jahr als die Mauer gebaut war!

[@aidanacebo9529]

these old folks are few and far between. cherish them, cherish their memory.

[@samnigam3451]

RIP 💐 heroes of D-Day those who survived n those who didn't make it D-Day plus 1 to 27. Respects from India 🇮🇳

[@drewwilliams6888]

Thank you Samniam, and I wish more was written, so that we in the UK, knew what the peoples of South Asia, did during the two World Wars. Best wishes.

[@steffanyschwartz7801]

Respect to the Indian soldiers who died in Malaya, Singapore, Rangoon, Imphal, Arakan, Mandalay, and Kokhima.

[@samnigam3451]

@steffanyschwartz7801 Thank you we defeated the Axis Allies won they forgot us n we are forgotten country despite our contributions in both World Wars

[@jtakayama6294]

To any and all WWII vets of all Allied nationalities, I extend my sincerest thanks for sacrifices. I owe my freedom and prosperity to all of you. My uncles (no longer with us) were there at Normandy 79 years ago today--one a Coastie piloting a landing craft and the other running up the beach into a hail of bullets. Both survived, but so many others sacrificed themselves for us all. How can so many have forgotten what these men and women gave to us all?

[@shaynewheeler9249]

WW2 German veteran

[@rundattmedia2106]

Don't forget the German soldiers too, they were human, not all of them were bad. Look up the Charlie Brown and Franz Stigler incident.

[@shaynewheeler9249]

Japanese restaurant

[@Peter-gv2gn]

It's emotionally charged, papa jack is wonderous.

[@leedobson]

Hahaha that old boy plugging his tiktok, what a character

[@marquitust2874]

Thank you for your service, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

[@bsport131]

What hero's they are. To think they did it for the ungrateful generations we now have

[@Necronkiller]

The greatest generation has given us the families we have and kids we have. We love you and will never forget what you've done for the world.

[@linghunter5878]

“I’m a legend “ yes sir you are !!

[@cathywilson3146]

It is truly disgusting that the whole of the Allied Nations no longer mark this monumental day! Young people have absolutely no idea how wonderfully brave and loyal these people are and were. ❤️

[@thatperformer3879]

That’s cause our rulers deliberately want us to forget our history, and they have succeeded. Most young people already want to destroy every value these men fought for. They hate this country. Playing right onto the elite’s hands.

[@jamesbarker2567]

I Really Do Hate This Generation

[@nigelbevan8449]

@@jamesbarker2567 I think most of us do.

[@LabutaleUdara]

Agreed!

[@madjack1748]

as time goes on, human sacrifice is forgotten.

[@Stitchxavi]

I adore the dichotomy between the American 🇺🇸 and the British 🇬🇧 responses. So quintessential.

[@vpgdarkstar]

It's really sad to think that in a few years' time there won't be any living witnesses of these events left.

[@alljourney2834]

@@Recipe_For_Disaster_TV lucky vietnam war/era the youngest vets and aboyt 61-63

[@alljourney2834]

i we'll still have some vietnam vets alive in the 2050s sad that the last WWI vet died in i think 2012.

[@ivancar555]

Thankfully our benevolent powers that be keep very accurate historical annals which they update regularly so we will never forget!

[@NathanM4A1]

@@ivancar555 Sarcasm? Because at the rate these "benevolent powers that be" are rewriting books and history, it's only a matter of time before an event like D-Day is altered.

[@simonbird1973]

The best of the best. They will be forever remembered! ❤️‍🩹

[@mikeoc217]

Brave Souls the world sorely could use many more of today! 🇺🇸🇨🇦🇨🇵🇬🇧

[@tropicaussie4572]

That elderly British D-Day war hero that is ready to go to Ukraine is a deadset LEGEND !!❤👍💪

[@duncanidaho2130]

American National living in Guatemala. I still and shall always remember what those boys did for the world. Thank you.

[@waynelove813]

Thank both of you and all other veterans for your outstanding service

[@kida9195]

The things these people saw and lived there. That alone makes them legendary.

[@LeahFriedman-gj9qo]

I never forget 🕯🕯

[@Blaze422UK]

🇬🇧x🇺🇸 💪 lest we forget 🙏 thank you for all your service

[@shaynewheeler9249]

WW2 German veteran

[@Anakin_Sandy_High_Ground]

⁠@@shaynewheeler9249 No he is a British veteran. The maroon airborne beret is a dead giveaway

[@shaynewheeler9249]

WW2 British veteran

[@vincentlefebvre9255]

Thank you for forgetting Canada. As usual one more time.

[@Anakin_Sandy_High_Ground]

@@vincentlefebvre9255 Its a brit and an american though

[@RealMTBAddict]

My grandfather was a medic in WW2 for 4 years.

[@bobburke9840]

Mine was in the 77th medical battalion 7th armored division

[@misterspaceman9563]

A wonderful perspective from Marie Scott. Many non-combatants often still went through great hardships, and it's nice to get a chance to appreciate what she did for all of us.

[@francisebbecke2727]

Real ballsy guys!!! They saved the world!

[@alexsoria8433]

I am great full for all the veterans who fought so the world could be free. This is the greatest generation that ever existed.

[@andrewmitchison4571]

As a proud brit may I give all who served a heartfelt thank you for everything you sacrificed for my generation. You are all true heroes and your sacrifices will be remembered for all time. THANK YOU

[@MichaelBarry-wj3ee]

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR US I CAN 'T IMAGINE HOW FRIGHTENING IT MUST HAVE BEEN FOR YOU ALL

[@rdgamesoficial]

TRUE HEROES!!!!

[@jfk1000]

For sure!

[@DenimChicken]

The last of a dying breed. It'll be a sad day when these guys are all gone.

[@ITIsFunnyDamnIT]

Thank You veterans. It is because of your bravery and the sacrifices you made that we still live in a democracy and not under tyranny and fascism. May you all Never be forgotten.💯💖

[@outdooroutdoorsman7674]

Ah hes I'm sure they wouldve loved to fight so there grandkids could become a minority in there own country!!! Grrrrr evil germany grrrrr!!!👿👿👿🤬🤬🤬

[@ITIsFunnyDamnIT]

@why are commies always pro-semite but anti-christ Go move to North Korea than if you hate democracy or go live in communist China.

[@Ura_Jack_Off]

Fascism is democratic. 👌🏻

[@your_royal_highness]

The cemetery and Pointe du Hoc are both considered U.S. soil. Going there is a must, in my view. I only had four days but will never forget it…..

[@jacksaloman9513]

Soon all will be gone and most will not care. Makes me weep for the future and what lies ahead.

[@terrym3837]

The most wonderful generation, my dad was part of that generation and I think of him everyday and give thanks to all the allies who gave everything

[@carlosacta8726]

I get goosebumps watching them, listening to their voices, bravery and humanity!

[@drewwilliams6888]

At 57, growing up in the 70's and 80's, the veterans, were numerous then, now I can't believe, there are so few around. Its going to be a sad day, when the Second World War, becomes history contained in books only.

[@Kenedienz]

i got in on da planning of d day! i goh da bronze star and the french, gave me the legion of honor. im just a country boy! now im a star on tictok! im! a hundred years old without an ache or an pain! thats so whoolesom

[@darthrevan88]

Legion of Honor

[@Kenedienz]

@@darthrevan88 thank you!

[@darthrevan88]

@@Kenedienz you are welcome ;)

[@BillyBob-pk5nk]

It’s crazy that so many of these soilders are still alive to this day after hundreds of years. Some of these soilders are up to 400 years old and I respect that.

[@thenextgeneration9030]

no, they do not reach up to 400 years old

[@jessemillington5988]

2:22-3:04 tell's everyone something, pay attention and listen to his words and commitment to this world. He is telling you something future generations, evil comes hidden in many forms. Thank you Mr. Kersh for your dedication, he knows.

[@geraldstamour1312]

As the grandson of a WWII vet, thanks.

[@gandolfthegardener]

We are honored by their presence. 🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤🙏❤

[@squint04]

Deepest gratitude and respect for your service

[@aaronsmith5363]

Thank you!!

[@izamalcadosa2951]

Salute to you sir, one of the greats from the greatest generations ever!!

[@midnightrider7648]

Beautiful. My Dad landed on Omaha Beach the morning of D-day with the 147th combat engineers, 6th engineers special brigade. He always spoke highly of the intelligence & technology of the Germans. He knew the strengths of his opponent. He was a great man. I miss him & my mom so much. They were from the greatest generation.

[@USNveteran]

I am so proud of the members of our family that served in WWII, although we have service in WWI, Korea, & Vietnam and I am proud of them as well. My father in law (USN WWII) & my brothers father in law (USMC WWII) honored me with their stories. It seems to take on a whole new light when you hear it first hand from a family member. I will never forget those stories or those men we miss you Brownie & Norm. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@fascistalien]

And you was in the navy?

[@USNveteran]

@@fascistalien Yes

[@kevbrix9686]

Bless all

[@baileybrewer1172]

Mervyn Kersh seems like an absolute top bloke.

[@jimjohnson9237]

Amazing men and women. We owe them so much. We must never let them be forgotten

[@BattleBuddiesPodcast]

Wow. Chills.

[@davehue9517]

Thank you to all the WWll veterans

[@stiofandundealgan1280]

A so moving moment ! Grateful and respectful thanks from France ! Thanks so much !

[@PlasmaCoolantLeak]

Tom Hanks said in a PSA for the WW II Memorial, while standing on what had been Omaha Beach, "These men saved civilization."

[@robertfarrell5495]

Deep bows of gratitude! Thanks for your help on the biggest day of world history!

[@indyinsc]

These types of men are why we must insist on protecting Europe from tyranny even now.

[@AvroVulcan67]

Deepest RESPECT to all who fought that days……

[@neilfoster814]

Sadly, as the years roll by, these fine gentlemen will get fewer and fewer. We must honour and celebrate them while we can.

[@cellpat2686]

Thank you guys. We are indebted to you forever. Our free world is possible thanks to you. A hand salute to you all today and everyday.

[@diekriegerinwz81]

A heartfelt thank you to all Veterans ❤

[@robertthomas3777]

Salute. Respect. Our greatest generation. Lest we forget.

[@andreboudreault3365]

Hommage et gratitude

[@AnimationFanboy2k4]

🇺🇲🇬🇧🇨🇦🇦🇺🇳🇿🇫🇷🇳🇱🇧🇪🇩🇰🇳🇴🇬🇷🇨🇿🇵🇱

[@Paddehj]

Fantastic

[@JB50713]

I can't even begin to imagine the stories they have.

[@georgebalko2593]

Still literally awesome.

[@thomassmith8140]

It makes you realize how long life truly is, ww2 seems to inconceivably long ago, but there are people still alive who lived through it, fought through it. Its a shame they will all be gone in the next 10 years

[@johnsanjuan7546]

Prayers to Those Who Perished!

[@Jen-jo5qu]

Papa Jake is everything. Bless his soul. All of these service men and women are the definition of HEROISM.

[@RobertSweatman]

American Heroes ... WORLD HEROES .. MY HEROES

[@toonarmy8524]

These are the real heroes along with the fallen. R.I.P to the fallen.

[@Fre3domAction]

True heroes, much respect for your service❤

[@leebartlett5427]

Amazing and heartwarming too see these veterans get the accolades and respect they deserve men and women who laid down there lives too defend there country and democracy and freedom. Respect ✊❤️🙏❤️🙏

[@jordanpennington3911]

Thank you .

[@ivand5670]

They were the greatest generation. Always will be remembered for their sacrifices and their bravery in the worlds time of need.

[@mrhamburger6936]

Not many of these people are left anymore

[@maroman38]

Thank you!

[@davidlotti5407]

Thank you all for the great sacrifices you all made you saved the world !!!I only pray that the current generations realize how fortunate they are because of you an the sacrifices all the veterans made!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TrialzGTAS]

Badass! Tuff men and women.

[@dranzogtmr4452]

I dont know why I feel Goosebumps seeing This vet Alive in this video.

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

Thanks and salute to all these brave ones for their deeds whom we can never repay. It's sad these living legends are fading away. We continue to and always be sure to remember.

[@brianmurphy1757]

Thank you

[@thenotoriousgryyn342]

Two Glorious Elders

[@rbruno172]

Greatest generation thank you

[@peterivarsson6819]

There are no words for what they have done for the free world. We will be indebted all our lives to those who were there. Here we are talking about real heroes in the true sense of the word. I bow to them!!

[@pavelkosik902]

Thank you for giving as freedom

[@richardque1036]

50th anniversay d day celebration in 1994 still the best !I watch it all day.

[@justonecornetto80]

I was there with my grandfather and a few other veterans from our local Royal British Legion. A very moving occasion which I`ll never forget.

[@carolpountney7627]

I prayed for you all on D-Day❤ My father landed on Sword Beach. He survived the war but not without injuries or mental hurt. I listened to the Hymn to the Fallen as I prayed….we will NEVER forget you😢

[@DavidDelgado-fy1dx]

Thank you for your service.

[@jayess8714]

"I'm just a country boy, and now I'm famous on Tiktok" I'm not even being facetious or sarcastic at all when I say this, as soon as I heard him say that - it genuinely hit me. Seriously felt it. Incredible.

[@Vicari0usly]

These men remind me of my great grandfather. He was wounded in Europe during WW2, during his time with the “Iron men of Metz” one of the greatest men I have ever met, he lived to the great age of 100. Rest in paradise Clarence🕊️

[@ZarathosTheSpiritOfVengeance]

I couldn't express my gratitude for their service enough. Thank you from all ally sides ❤

[@christopherpotter7204]

I miss talking to folks from the WW2 generation.

[@filiperocha4466]

Long life to all who fought and fight for freedom! 🎈🎼💙💛

[@jgg204]

The world owes freedom to these people.

[@hulkhogansuperfan]

But you go to jail if you don't let blacks invade and rxpe yt women

[@kimbradley9595]

Thank you forever your service my dad as well doring the war

[@ryancoleman7855]

Some cool old veterans here, how I wish I could talk to them, even for a minute or two! Nothing but the utmost respect and gratitude for the sacrifices this generation made, for us future generations! Just like how they answered their call, I would gladly do the same to protect another nations freedom! Lest we forget!

[@noahmorales411]

These men and women are hero's. Respect ✌️👍