American Airlines in Dallas Honors World War II Veterans on 80th Anniversary of D-Day

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, American Airlines flew nearly 70 World War II veterans to Normandy, France. This historic journey began at American’s headquarters in Dallas-Fort Worth with a kickoff dinner that featured a 1940s-era big band and a performance by the Victory Belles from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Veterans received a special heroes’ send-off from American Airlines team members before heading to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, where the celebrations continued.

Notable Participants

In addition to the veterans, the trip included several Rosie the Riveters, iconic representatives of the women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. Six Medal of Honor recipients, the nation’s highest award for valor, also joined the group. Over 50 cadets and midshipmen from the nation’s military service academies accompanied the veterans, providing music as a joint academy choir.

“We’re honored to play a part in helping this group of heroic veterans return to Normandy,” said David Seymour, American’s Chief Operating Officer and a U.S. Army veteran. “This special journey is not only an expression of our gratitude for these heroes and the sacrifices they made for our freedom, but we hope to help shine a light on their extraordinary stories and preserve their legacies for generations to come.”

Honoring the Heroes

Among the many heroes returning to Normandy with American Airlines is U.S. Navy veteran Felix Maurizio. He was on a landing craft that deployed troops onto Omaha Beach on D-Day, including his brother, Sal, who served in an Army medical unit. Another notable participant is Frank Perry, who served as a turret gunner in the Army Air Corps in March 1945. After his military service, Perry pursued a career in aviation, serving nearly 40 years at Piedmont Airlines, one of the heritage airlines that now form American Airlines.

Enthusiasts dressed in replica WWII-era military attire gather near the church where a mannequin effigy of WWII veteran US Army 82nd Airborne paratrooper John Steele, hangs from the steeple, in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, northwestern France, on June 7, 2024, as part of the “D-Day” commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. John Steele hung helplessly from the church steeple before being taken prisoner by German troops, after his parachute entangled on the structure as he landed on D-Day in the early hours of June 6, 1944. The D-Day ceremonies on June 6 this year mark the 80th anniversary since the launch of ‘Operation Overlord’, a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP) (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)

The Journey

The veterans will spend two days in Paris before traveling to the Normandy region for commemorative events. The trip will include visits to key historical sites, concerts, and special ceremonies to honor the courage and sacrifice of all who served during World War II. The journey will culminate with a June 6 ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery, where over 9,000 U.S. service members are laid to rest.

Normandy: A Heroic Return

The arrival in Normandy began with a heartfelt welcome from school children and World War II re-enactors in Houlgate. This warm reception was followed by a visit to Le Memorial de Caen, a museum and war memorial dedicated to World War II and the Battle of Normandy.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks with WWII veterans as he attends a ceremony on Esplanade Paul Minard, near the Cite de la Mer, in Cherbourg, in northwestern France, on June 7, 2024, as part of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the World War II “D-Day” Allied landings in Normandy. The D-Day ceremonies on June 6 this year mark the 80th anniversary since the launch of ‘Operation Overlord’, a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. (Photo by André PAIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDRE PAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

At historic Omaha Beach, veterans walked in the footsteps of those who stormed the shores 80 years ago, laying a wreath to honor the fallen. The afternoon was spent exploring the bunkers and bomb craters of Pointe du Hoc, paying tribute to the U.S. Army Rangers who scaled the steep cliffs on June 6, 1944.

On Utah Beach, each veteran laid a single rose in memory of those who perished. A historic chateau served as the venue for a special lunch, attended by senior military leaders from the Department of Defense and other dignitaries. That afternoon, in Sainte-Mère-Église, thousands gathered to cheer the veterans’ arrival in the town made famous by the Airborne soldiers who parachuted there.

The Normandy visit concluded with a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings at the Normandy American Cemetery, where over 9,000 U.S. service members from World War II are buried. For these veterans, revisiting the sacred grounds of D-Day is more than a trip down memory lane; it represents a deep sense of gratitude and remembrance. U.S. Navy veteran Felix Maurizio, who was on a landing craft that deployed troops onto Omaha Beach on D-Day, returned to those shores 80 years later.