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](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7226121.1717629189!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/d-day-80th-anniversary.jpg)
![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. 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.](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7226121.1717629189!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/d-day-80th-anniversary.jpg)
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.