79th Anniversary of D-Day: WWII American Veterans Return to Normandy

The last living witnesses of the D-Day landings

Thanks to the Best Defense Foundation association, more than forty World War II veterans traveled to Normandy on June 1st to gather and honor the memory of their former comrades.

As part of its partnership with Best Defense Foundation, Delta Air Lines chartered a direct flight between Atlanta and Deauville to allow veterans to land directly in Normandy for the second consecutive year.

Among them, Andrew Negra, 99 (see photo), returned to Normandy for the first time since his landing in July 44.

France pays tribute to World War II Veterans

Most veterans participating in the trip have been awarded the Legion of Honor for their service to our nation.

Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the national order of the Legion of Honor is the highest French honorary decoration which rewards eminent merits rendered to France. By presenting this distinction to these veterans, France recognizes their service and honors its duty to never forget the soldiers who participated in the liberation of the country.

In December 2022, Consul General Anne-Laure Desjonquères decorated Mr. George Sarros, one of the veterans taking part in the trip (see photo). Mr. Andrew Negra previously received his Legion of Honor from the hands of former Consul General Louis de Corail in 2019.

A consulate officer volunteers during the trip

Pierre Frechette is one of the agents in charge of reception at the French Consulate in Atlanta, but what few of us know is that Pierre Frechette has been involved in the organization of Legion of Honor award ceremonies for veterans for many years. When Pierre Frechette is not serving the public, the hockey enthusiast meticulously prepares the files of candidates for the Legion of Honor.

This year, he realized one of his dreams: Pierre Fréchette went to Normandy as a volunteer. His main function was to accompany veteran Sam Carlile (Memphis, TN) and to watch over him throughout the trip. Thanks to him, we have the chance to experience some of the celebrations that take place on the other side of the Atlantic!

Foreign Trade Advisor for Normandy, France... and committed to veterans!

In addition to her duties as a Chief of Mission at Delta Air Lines, Virginie Durr devotes much of her free time to volunteer activities.

You may know her under her role as Foreign Trade Advisor for France, but Virginie Durr is also very committed to veterans.

She initiated the partnership between Best Defense Foundation, Delta Air Lines, and Michelin, which allows former soldiers to go to the landing commemorations through a direct Delta charter flight between Atlanta and Deauville. In 2023, Virginie Durr accompanies veterans to her native lands to participate in the D-Day celebrations for the second consecutive year.

Photo credit: Chris Rank and Consulate General of France in Atlanta