VIDEO: Legacy Flight returns World War II veterans to Normandy to commemorate 81st D-Day anniversary

For the fourth consecutive year, Delta’s Normandy Legacy Flight returned to Deauville, Normandy Airport. In partnership with Michelin and Best Defense Foundation, 23 World War II veterans were welcomed by over 500 people as they touched French soil once again to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day invasion at the start of a week-long tour of Normandy to honor the legacy of these heroes.  

New this year, Delta sponsored students from Dutchtown High School and the Atlanta International School, to fly to Normandy. The students were hosted by the region of Normandy and were able to interact with the veterans and attend the  Freedom Prize ceremony.   

Delta Captain Larry Deist, who had the honor of piloting the flight to Normandy, recalled the experience as the best mission he has ever flown as a pilot.  

“There is nothing better than what we are getting to do here today – flying World War II veterans in and out of Normandy,” said Deist.  “It is a huge honor, these ladies and gentlemen are rockstars. It is great to see them get this reception and overwhelming for us to see. There wasn’t a dry eye between us when the first veteran walked off.” 

A day of celebration and remembrance, NextGen student Parker Burns described how powerful it was that the veterans traveled.  

“An ocean they have never crossed, to places they have never heard of, to liberate people they have never met, which truly speaks to their character and the values that we have to carry forward,” he shared. 

One of the veterans, 102-year-old Cpl. Wilbur J.“Jack” Myers of Company B, 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached with the 104th & 42nd Infantry Division reflected on the journey. 

“We lost a lot a lot of men because we had to do it, but those men won the freedom we have today,” he shared. 

Heritage, history and connection 

Normandy native and Delta project lead for the Normandy Legacy Flight, Virginie Durr, was filled with emotion as she led the welcoming ceremony which included local school children singing the American and French national anthems.  

Ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices of the veterans is a guiding mission for Virginie. 

“We owe them a great sense of gratitude. When I come here and I see young children, I know we have another 50 years in front of us where I know that child is going to talk about that plane that came from America with those World War II Veterans.”  

Donnie Edwards, President and Co-Founder of the Best Defense Foundation gave a rousing speech to the assembled crowds declaring, “This land remembers you and so do we, your legacy lives on in all of us.”  

Veteran Tec5 Arlester Brown, 101 years of age who was deployed across Normandy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany rounded off the commemorations urging the crowds to care for one another, find ways to create unity and honor the legacy of the sacrifices made over 80 years ago.