As the survivors fade into history, the world marks a D-Day anniversary like no other

The annual gathering of western leaders in Normandy is always steeped in symbolism — an occasion for the nations whose troops stormed these beaches eight decades ago to reflect on wars both past and present.

As the survivors fade into history, the world marks a D-Day anniversary like no other
Spectators attend a multinational parachute drop as some 400 Canadian, British, Belgian and U.S. paratroopers jump to commemorate the contribution of airborne forces on D-Day. The drop was part of events marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Sannerville, Normandy, France on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

The annual gathering of western leaders in Normandy is always steeped in symbolism — an occasion for the nations whose troops stormed these beaches eight decades ago to reflect on wars both past and present.