On June 6, 2024, US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shook hands at the D-Day commemoration ceremony in northern France.
In his address, Biden linked Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the fight against fascism during World War II, asserting that Washington would continue to support Kyiv.
Speaking near the graves of 9,388 US soldiers who participated in the D-Day landings, Biden emphasized that democracies worldwide are again under threat, with autocrats watching the West's response to Ukraine closely. Born in 1942, Biden is likely the last US president to have been alive during the operation to liberate Nazi-occupied France.
The ceremony was attended by several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, King Charles III, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Macron praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people, declaring, "We are here and we will not weaken," as world leaders gave Zelensky a standing ovation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was not invited to the ceremony. Throughout his speech, Biden frequently drew parallels between WWII and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Standing before the white tombstones of US servicemembers, he warned that "the autocrats of the world are watching closely to see what happens in Ukraine."
Biden vowed that the US would not abandon Ukraine, warning that doing so would lead to its subjugation and threaten neighboring countries and all of Europe. He referred to Putin as a "tyrant" and urged Western leaders to recognize the increasing threat from anti-democratic forces worldwide.
Highlighting the heroism of the D-Day soldiers, Biden said, "The men who fought here were heroes. They knew - beyond any doubt - there are things that are worth fighting and dying for. Freedom is worth it. Democracy is worth it. America is worth it. The world is worth it."
Biden, accompanied by President Macron, underscored the importance of enduring partnerships between democracies and the value of the NATO alliance, reflecting on the achievements of the Allies 80 years ago as a lesson for today.
His comments come amid rising isolationism within parts of the Republican Party, with some members increasingly skeptical of sending military aid to Ukraine. Biden criticized this isolationist stance, asserting that "the price of unchecked tyranny is the blood of the young and the brave."
In an earlier interview with ABC News, Biden defended his decision to allow Ukraine to use US weapons for limited strikes on Russian territory, emphasizing that these would be restricted to border areas and not extend to Moscow.
The ceremony saw the participation of US soldiers who fought in the D-Day landings, the largest seaborne invasion in history, involving over 150,000 US, British, Canadian, and French troops. French President Macron awarded several veterans the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest civilian honor.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also attended a ceremony at Juno Beach, honoring the 381 Canadians who died on D-Day. Echoing Biden's message, Trudeau emphasized the ongoing need to defend democracy.
The Prince of Wales, Prince William, attended the Canadian commemorative ceremony, expressing gratitude to Canadian veterans for their bravery. King Charles III laid a wreath at the British Normandy Memorial, highlighting the enduring admiration and gratitude for the sacrifices made on D-Day, hoping such sacrifices would never be repeated. Photo by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, Wikimedia commons.