July 01, 2024

Paris Post 1 welcomes veterans on D-Day anniversary

By The American Legion
FODPAL
Paris Post 1 welcomes veterans on D-Day anniversary
Lt. Col. David Ashcraft (top, center) helps welcome Eugene Kleindl of Capron, Ill. (Photo via Post 1)

Many Legion Family members traveled throughout the Paris area and Normandy to welcome and support almost 100 veterans

The latest edition of Paris Post 1’s online newsletter includes multimedia coverage of the efforts to give World War II veterans coming to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day an appropriate welcome.

Among others, member Lt. Col. David Ashcraft visited airports near Paris every day from May 30 to June 4. Many Legion Family members traveled throughout the Paris area and Normandy to welcome and support almost 100 veterans, who ranged in age from their late 90s to 107. 

American Airlines, which flew veterans over, arranged a series of ceremonies and events that started in Charles de Gaulle Airport and moved to Suresnes American Cemetery on the west side of Paris; a boat tour of the River Seine; and a ravivage ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe – the rekindling of the eternal flame honoring France's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

  • FODPAL