For the second consecutive year, more than 40 World War II veterans embarked on a remarkable journey last month with Delta Air Lines; taking a charter flight to Normandy, France to attend the 79th D-Day Commemoration.
This pilgrimage allowed these brave veterans to pay tribute to their fallen comrades, attend ceremonies in their honor, and share the stories of their experiences during the war, which occurred an astounding 79 years ago.
The success of this ambitious mission was made possible through Delta’s strong corporate partnerships, particularly with the Best Defense Foundation, founded by Donnie and Kathryn Edwards in 2018, and Michelin.
A Grand Partnership for a Noble Cause
The idea for this heartfelt charter flight was born out of a shared connection and passion for Normandy and the WWII veterans between Virginie Durr, Delta Enterprise Sales Manager and Normandy Native, and David Chapman, Michelin Vice President of Public Affairs.
Recognizing the importance of time for these aging heroes, the partnership with the Best Defense Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to returning veterans to battlefields, proved to be the perfect solution to make the program larger and more accessible for the Greatest Generation.
D-Day: Embarking on a Historic Journey
The momentous journey began on May 31 in Atlanta, Delta’s hometown, with a heartwarming parade through the international terminal of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The Dutchtown High School Band, representing the state of Georgia and set to play in Normandy’s commemoration ceremony, delivered a stirring performance. Emotions ran high as the entire terminal bid a tearful farewell to these heroes, eager to board the charter and begin their pilgrimage.
The Ardennes woods are silent now.
Jack Foy, WWII Army veteran and member of General Patton’s 3rd Army
The battle smoke has fled.
Seventy years and nine have passed,
Now only memories, and the dead.
Gratitude Across Generations
Once in Normandy, the veterans were met with an outpouring of love and gratitude from thousands of admirers of all ages and nationalities. These individuals came from every corner of the world, hoping to express their appreciation and thank the brave heroes who liberated their country 79 years ago.
A touching example of this was a father who traveled from Spain to attend the D-Day commemorations, eager to show his children the reason they do not speak German today.
Here I’m treated like a king, and at home, I’m just an old man.
D-Day Veteran
The Impact of the Journey
The impact of the trip on the veterans was immeasurable. They felt like royalty in Normandy, overwhelmed by the respect and admiration they received from people around the world.
Amanda Thompson, Executive Director of the Best Defense Foundation, recounted that one veteran had expressed, “Here I’m treated like a king, and at home, I’m just an old man.” The experience was profoundly humbling and heartwarming for all involved.
A Farewell to Remember
As the program reached its conclusion, everyone gathered for a heartfelt farewell dinner at the beautiful Abbaye aux Hommes. During this poignant moment, veterans had the opportunity to express their gratitude and share reflections on their time in Normandy.
Caen Mayor Joël Bruneau, who hosted the dinner, assured the veterans that France would never forget them and their contributions to the liberation of the country. The French nation is committed to honoring their fight, joys, sorrows, and suffering for generations to come.
A Shared Commitment
Delta Air Lines, the Best Defense Foundation, and Michelin all share a strong commitment to servant leadership and supporting the military veteran community. They are deeply honored to connect the WWII veterans with the people and places they impacted 79 years ago.
Donnie, reflecting on the partnership with Delta and Michelin, stated, “Having Delta Air Lines as a partner and Michelin as a supporting partner, we’re able to scale it up to provide this opportunity for so many of our heroes.”
Looking Ahead
The success of the second annual charter flight to Normandy has set the stage for the future. Plans are already underway for next year’s program, which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The commitment to honoring these brave veterans and providing them with this unique opportunity remains unwavering.
In Conclusion
The journey to Normandy with Delta Air Lines, the Best Defense Foundation, and Michelin was an unforgettable experience for the WWII D-Day veterans. It showcased the power of corporate partnerships coming together for a noble cause.
The love, gratitude, and respect they received from people all over the world reinforced the enduring impact of their sacrifices. As we prepare for next year’s commemoration, we are reminded of the invaluable contribution these heroes made in shaping the world we live in today.