Delta Air Lines honors WWII veterans with return flight to Normandy

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Delta Air Lines honors WWII veterans with return flight to Normandy

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Ryan Gumm, Senior Vice President – Flight Operations | Delta Air Lines

By Sky Industry News

Jun 16, 2025

Delta Air Lines, in collaboration with Michelin and the Best Defense Foundation, organized a commemorative event for the 81st anniversary of D-Day by flying 23 World War II veterans to Normandy. The veterans were welcomed by over 500 people at Deauville, Normandy Airport as they embarked on a week-long tour to honor their contributions during the war.

This year, Delta also sponsored students from Dutchtown High School and the Atlanta International School to join the trip. These students had the opportunity to interact with the veterans and participate in the commemorative ceremony hosted by the region of Normandy.

Delta Captain Larry Deist expressed his admiration for being part of this mission. “There is nothing better than what we are getting to do here today – flying World War II veterans in and out of Normandy,” said Deist. He described it as an emotional experience for everyone involved.

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Parker Burns, a student participant, shared his thoughts on the significance of the journey undertaken by these veterans. “An ocean they have never crossed, to places they have never heard of, to liberate people they have never met, which truly speaks to their character and the values that we have to carry forward,” he stated.

Among the veterans was 102-year-old Cpl. Wilbur J.“Jack” Myers who reflected on their sacrifices: “We lost a lot a lot of men because we had to do it, but those men won the freedom we have today.”

Virginie Durr, Delta's project lead for the Normandy Legacy Flight and a native of Normandy, emphasized the importance of passing down these stories to future generations. “We owe them a great sense of gratitude," she remarked.

Donnie Edwards, President and Co-Founder of Best Defense Foundation, addressed attendees saying, “This land remembers you and so do we, your legacy lives on in all of us.”

Veteran Tec5 Arlester Brown concluded with an appeal for unity among people: urging them to care for one another and honor past sacrifices.