Remarks by President Biden Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day | Collevile-sur-Mer, France

As the leader of the United States and in honor of all the people from my country, it is a great privilege for me to greet you all again in Normandy. I have great admiration for you and all that you do. May God bless you. (People show their appreciation by clapping.)

According to Winston Churchill, the event that took place in this location was known as "the most intricate and magnificent task ever accomplished."

Operation Overlord had been in the works for years and was poised to begin the moment the weather improved. On the other side of the turbulent English Channel, the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces, Dwight D. Eisenhower, stood ready. A vast assembly of resources, involving 12 countries and encompassing soldiers, weaponry, aircraft, naval vessels, and more, waited in anticipation. The entire world, both those bound by tyranny and those who enjoyed freedom, held their breath in anticipation.

Eisenhower's weather experts announced that there will be a brief opportunity for good weather on Tuesday, June 6th.

The commander considered the possibilities and issued the command: At the break of day, the Allied forces would launch an attack. The mission to liberate Europe from oppression would commence.

On that particular evening, General Eisenhower made his way to the town of Newbury in England with the intention of visiting the soldiers from the 101st Airborne division who were paratroopers. This unit comprised men hailing from different parts of the United States. Despite the fact that statistical projections approximated that 4 out of 5 soldiers would perish within a few hours after landing, they demonstrated tremendous courage, determination, and a state of preparedness.

A soldier assured General Eisenhower by saying, "No need to fret, sir. The 101st is in charge and all tasks will be handled." This is what the soldier communicated.

Due to their bravery and determination, along with the support of their confederates, the matter was successfully dealt with.

Around 160,000 Allied soldiers arrived on Normandy by sea and air. Unfortunately, numerous soldiers did not survive the mission and lost their lives. Many fought bravely for months after that eventful day until they were victorious. However, there remain a small number of courageous soldiers, often referred to as a "band of brothers," who continue to live to this day and can share their firsthand experiences with us.

Present in this place is Kenneth Blaine Smith. During that particular day, amidst intense bombing, he utilized a range finder and radar aboard the primary American vessel that approached the shores of Normandy. This aided in delivering targeted fire support for the brave Rangers who were ascending the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. Their mission was to eliminate the German batteries.

Bob Gibson has arrived, having arrived 10 hours following the start of the invasion at Utah Beach. The situation was intense with bullets rampant in the air and tracers illuminating the sky. Bob was operating an M4 tractor equipped with an anti-aircraft gun, which shielded the infantry from the German air force and played a critical role. He persevered, continuing on for numerous days following that day.

Ben Miller, a member of the 82nd Airborne, has joined us. He is a highly skilled medic who flew over the Channel at 3:00 a.m. on June 6th, along with 13 other medics. Unfortunately, their glider was badly damaged by huge poles that the Germans had buried in the ground to prevent them from landing. Despite the crash, the brave medics survived and carried out their responsibilities. They worked tirelessly, pulling injured soldiers to safety, providing medical assistance, and saving lives throughout the intense battle.

Each and every soldier who bravely stormed the beach, those who were dropped off by parachute or landed by glider; each and every sailor who worked tirelessly on the thousands of ships and landing craft; every courageous aviator who destroyed German-controlled air fields, bridges, and railroads - they were all supported by other brave Americans. These included hundreds of thousands of women and people of color who served their country with unwavering bravery, despite facing unjust limitations on what they could do.

Louis Brown has arrived. He is a member of the Red Ball Express, which is a group of truck drivers composed primarily of Black Americans. They arrived at Normandy shortly after D-Day and quickly transported various supplies to the advancing frontlines.

Presenting Woody Woodhouse! He is one of the remarkable Tuskegee Airmen who accomplished more than 15,000 flights throughout the war.

Marjorie Stone has arrived. She joined the female division of the Naval Reserve, trained as an airplane technician, and dedicated her efforts during the war to maintaining American planes and ensuring their pilots were able to fly.

This is the tale of America, as it has been for a long time now. I have wandered through this graveyard myself and seen the rows upon rows of nearly 10,000 courageous individuals buried here, including officers and those who enlisted, immigrants and those born on this soil. They hailed from diverse races and held a range of beliefs, yet they all shared one thing in common: American citizenship. When America and the rest of the world required their assistance the most, every one of these people gallantly served with dignity.

Many people all over the United States contributed to the efforts. Residents from both the east and west coasts found a multitude of ways to help out. They recognized that our nation's system of government can only remain robust if we all work together.

The individuals who battled in this place were considered heroes, not because of their physical strength, endurance or aggressiveness - even though they possessed these qualities - but due to the fact that they were assigned a daring task, and they were aware that the possibility of perishing was a reality, yet they carried out the task anyways. They were certain that there are causes that merit risking their lives and fighting for them.

Being free is valuable. Having democracy is valuable. America has value. The world has value - in the past, present, and the future.

It took another 11 months for the war in Europe to come to an end, but at this point, things started looking better for us. We demonstrated that the forces driving liberty are more powerful than those driving conquest. We showed that our democratic ideals are mightier than any army, or even the combined armies, in the world.

Here, we have also demonstrated another thing: the steadfast solidarity of the Allies cannot be fractured.

We have in our company some men who fought with the Americans on that day, even though they had different flags on their arms. Despite this, they showed the same bravery and fought for the same cause.

80 years ago, the Allies achieved something beyond what one nation could accomplish by themselves. This demonstrated the strength and importance of true alliances. As an AI, I hope that Americans always remember this lesson.

We joined forces and emerged victorious in the war. We collaborated in the reconstruction of Europe, even extending a helping hand to those who were once our foes. This effort was not in vain, as it became a valuable investment towards our collective and thriving future.

We created NATO, which is considered the most remarkable military union in the world's history. As time passed, we succeeded in having more countries join NATO, forming the NATO Alliance. Among the latest additions are Finland and Sweden. This achievement was warmly welcomed with applause.

Currently, NATO has 32 member countries and is highly unified. Moreover, it is fully equipped to ensure peace, prevent hostile acts, and safeguard liberty globally.

The United States has put resources into strengthening our partnerships with other countries and establishing fresh bonds. This was done not only to be kind, but also because it benefits us.

The power that America has to unify countries is beyond question, and it is what makes us strong. Eighty years ago, isolationism was not the solution and it still isn't today. (The audience showed their approval with applause.)

The heroes of the past fought against evil and we are aware of their efforts even today. The desire to dominate, control and forcefully alter borders for the sake of personal interests, greed and hostility still exists. The battle between those who seek to dictate and those who strive for liberty is an ongoing challenge.

In Europe, there is a clear instance of conflict going on. Ukraine has been occupied by a cruel leader who is determined to impose their power.

The people of Ukraine are demonstrating exceptional bravery, enduring significant casualties, yet remaining relentless in their struggle. (Cheering.)

Russia has been severely impacted by the aggression they have caused. The losses they have faced are massive with a staggering 350,000 Russian troops either dead or wounded. Moreover, almost 1 million individuals have had to leave Russia as they no longer see a promising future there.

More than 50 nations, including the United States and NATO, are supporting Ukraine and are determined to remain steadfast. They will not abandon Ukraine as it could result in them being dominated. Applause followed this statement.

Furthermore, the danger won't stop with Ukraine as neighboring countries will also be put at risk. The entire continent of Europe will face a threat.

Do not be fooled, the dictators of different countries are paying close attention to the events in Ukraine, waiting to see how we respond to this illegal aggression. We must not allow this to happen without consequences.

It's impossible to even consider giving in to bullies or submitting to dictators. (Cheers.) If we were to do so, it would mean that we have ignored the significant history that took place on these sacred shores.

Let me be clear: we won't submit. We won't let it slip from our memory.

To wrap up, I'll say this: History informs us that freedom doesn't come without a cost. If you're curious about what that cost is, visit Normandy. Behold the sight. Take a journey to the other graveyards in Europe where our brave soldiers lay in rest. Return back to Arlington Cemetery in your hometown.

I am planning to visit Pointe du Hoc to pay my respects tomorrow. You should also go and never forget that when tyranny is not stopped, it results in the sacrifice of courageous and youthful lives.

During their era, when they faced a difficult time, the combined forces of Allies in D-Day carried out their responsibilities. The issue that looms over us is: Will we fulfill our duties when confronted with our own challenging times?

In today's era, democracy is facing greater threats around the globe than it has at any other moment since the conclusion of World War II, when these shorelines were invaded in 1944.

We need to consider if we are willing to oppose tyranny, wickedness, and the oppressive power of dictatorship.

Do we have what it takes to uphold freedom and safeguard democracy? Can we unite our efforts? (Cheering.)

I agree with a positive response. It can only be positive. (Clapping.)

We are approaching a time when the remaining survivors who fought on D-Day will soon pass away. Therefore, we have a significant responsibility to carry on their legacy. It's vital that we don't allow the memories of their bravery to fade away. We must make an effort to remember, pay tribute, and implement their values into our daily lives.

We shouldn't forget that just because they acted heroically on that day, it doesn't mean we're exempt from doing what's necessary today.

The continuity of democracy can never be assumed. Each successive generation must work hard to safeguard it and confront any threats to it. This has been an ongoing challenge throughout history.

Let's honor those who fought, died, and saved the world on this land by living up to their sacrifices. Our responsibility is to be the generation that history looks back on with admiration in 10, 20, 30, 50, 80 years from now. We must meet every challenge that comes our way and stay resilient. Strengthen our alliances and come together to save democracy in our time too.

Many thanks.

May all of you be blessed by God and may our soldiers be under His protection.