President Trump honors D-Day heroes in powerful 75th anniversary address from Normandy

President Trump commemorated the 75th anniversary of D-Day, delivering what has been received as a blockbuster speech from Normandy, France, to honor the American and allied soldiers who helped free Europe from the tyrannical grip of Nazi occupation.

“We are gathered here on Freedom’s Altar. On these shores, on these bluffs, on this day 75 years ago, 10,000 men shed their blood, and thousands sacrificed their lives, for their brothers, for their countries, and for the survival of liberty,” the president began. “Today, we remember those who fell, and we honor all who fought right here in Normandy. They won back this ground for civilization.”

"These men ran through the fires of hell, moved by a force no weapon could destroy: the fierce patriotism of a free, proud, and sovereign people."

Thanking the 170 World War II veterans in attendance, President Trump added: “You are among the very greatest Americans who will ever live. You're the pride of our nation. You are the glory of our republic. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts." 

President Trump was joined by French President Emmanuel Macron and many global leaders in Normandy.

The president also thanked U.S. veterans for continuing to step up when the country and the world were in need, citing the threat of rapidly expanding communism under the USSR during the Cold War.

“In the decades that followed, America defeated communism, secured civil rights ... and then kept on pushing to new frontiers," the president said. 

President Trump promised that the transatlantic alliance would remain strong for years to come.

“To all of our friends and partners, our cherished alliance was forged in the heat of battle, tested in the trials of war, and proven in the blessings of peace. Our bond is unbreakable," he said towards the conclusion of his remarks. 

The speech appeared to be almost unanimously well received, even among the president’s fiercest critics and opponents.

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