Zurich, Switzerland - February 1, 2020: American Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner airplane at Zurich airport (ZRH) in Switzerland. Boeing is an aircraft manufacturer based in Seattle, Washington. (Lukas Wunderlich - stock.adobe.com)

In honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, two American airlines will host World War II Veterans on trips to Normandy, France.

American Airlines is hosting a nine-day-long tour for over 60 Veterans. The honored guests will receive a hero’s welcome at the airline’s Fort Worth corporate campus before being whisked across the pond to Paris. The trip continues on to Normandy with wreath-laying ceremonies, concerts and a special monument dedication at Utah Beach.

The highlight of the trip, however, will be attendance at the official commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day event at the Normandy American Cemetery on June 6th. Stars and Stripes will accompany the American Airlines honor flight.

Delta Airlines is also hosting a ten-day trip for 60 World War II Veterans in honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The flight will depart from Delta’s Atlanta hub and fly to Deauville, Normandy. The trip attendees will be honored at local parades, schools and ceremonies, including the official D-Day commemoration. To provide the special charter flight, Delta partnered with the Michelin North American company and the Best Defense Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at helping military Veterans and families.

June 6, 2024 is the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. The landings led to a decisive turnaround for Allied Forces during World War II. Stars and Stripes will be reporting from the many commemorative events taking place to mark the special occasion.