Delta and Best Defense Foundation continue Normandy flights to honor WWII veterans

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Delta and Best Defense Foundation continue Normandy flights to honor WWII veterans

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Peter Penseel, Senior Vice President - Delta Cargo | Delta Air Lines

By Sky Industry News

Mar 26, 2025

Delta Air Lines, for the fourth consecutive year, continues its Normandy Legacy Flight, transporting World War II veterans and students to Normandy, France, to honor the D-Day invasion anniversary. This effort, in partnership with Michelin and the Best Defense Foundation, aims to pay tribute to the legacy of WWII veterans and educate new generations.

Delta aims to facilitate the return of around 30 veterans to Normandy, with a specific charter flight scheduled from Atlanta to Deauville, Normandy Airport. The flight is set to leave on May 31 and return on June 9. This initiative marks only the fourth occurrence of a U.S. passenger airline flying directly to Normandy since 2022.

CEO Ed Bastian expressed the company's commitment, stating, "It is our honor and privilege to continue this historic charter and week-long celebration as a journey of remembrance and gratitude, dedicated to our World War II heroes." Delta will also provide Delta team members from the Veterans Business Resource Group (BRG) as caregivers for each veteran during the trip.

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Donnie Edwards, President and Co-Founder of the Best Defense Foundation, remarked, “Each year, we remain committed to honoring the sacrifices of our WWII veterans by bringing them back to the battlefields where they served.” The foundation offers a Battlefield Return Program to honor WWII veterans.

Additionally, Delta's engagement includes taking 10 students from its NextGen Program to Normandy. This immersive experience allows interaction with veterans and participation in events like the Freedom Prize ceremony in Caen. Hervé Morin, President of Normandy, said, "Eighty-one years after the D-Day landings, Normandy continues to show its gratitude and eternal recognition to the heroes who liberated its territory."

Delta's commitment to supporting veterans extends to various initiatives, such as partnerships with organizations to promote career transitions for veterans, sponsorship of facilities like the Fisher House Foundation, and support of 14 USO chapters.

The Best Defense Foundation, founded by Edwards, is dedicated to aiding veterans across generations, specifically focusing on bringing WWII veterans back to their service battlefields.

Michelin, a partner in this initiative, manufactures life-changing composites and experiences, contributing to human progress and sustainability in varied fields.