For the fifth consecutive year, Delta Air Lines continues its Normandy Legacy Flight, supporting the first-of-its-kind program that flies World War II veterans and students back to the heart of Normandy to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day invasion, honour the legacy of these heroes and educate the next generation.
The only flight to land in Normandy
This year again, Delta and Best Defence Foundation will support the return of approximately 30 veterans to Normandy. In addition to supporting the week-long events, Delta will host a nonstop charter flight directly from Atlanta to Deauville, Normandy Airport on June 2, arriving in Deauville on June 3 and returning to Atlanta on June 9. This will mark only the fourth time a U.S. passenger airline will fly directly to Normandy, with the other three being the Delta charter flights from 2022-2025.
While in Normandy, veterans will participate in a series of special commemorative events that honour the memory, legacy and sacrifice of the service members – fuelling cross-cultural connection and education.
As part of Delta’s ongoing commitment to honour the legacy of WWII veterans and ensure their stories are never forgotten, the airline will once again partner with the Best Defence Foundation to bring 10 students through its NextGen Program to Normandy. This fully immersive experience will allow students to walk in the footsteps of history alongside the veterans who lived it, visiting historic sites and attending the Freedom Prize ceremony in Caen.
“Over 80 years after the D-Day landings, Normandy continues to show its gratitude and eternal recognition to the heroes who liberated its territory, France, and Europe at the risk of their lives,” said Hervé Morin – President of the Normandy Regional Council. “It will be a great honour for me to welcome these veterans, like previous years, to the Abbaye aux Dames in Caen to celebrate this great moment in the history of humanity and the return of democracy and peace. We are honoured by their participation along with the American students at the Freedom Prize ceremony.”
Come meet and greet the vets!
If you would like to meet and greet the vets at Deauville airport upon their arrival on June 3, you are invited to take part in this unique event. Access to the airport is however regulated and you will need to sign up beforehand. Full info coming soon!
An amazing occasion to pay your respects and thank the veterans for their service.
