Having covered numerous D-Day anniversaries, their emotional impact remains powerful.

The 81st anniversary was commemorated on Friday at the poignant American cemetery in Normandy, near Omaha Beach. On this and other beaches, American and Allied forces landed, and parachuted in, ultimately defeating Nazi Germany.

Approximately 75,000 U.S. troops participated, with 2,500 fatalities and 5,000 injuries on that day alone.

Jake Larson, a vibrant 102-year-old veteran from Minnesota who survived Omaha Beach, exclaimed, “I not only survived six battles, but I did so unscathed! Someone ‘upstairs’ is watching over me.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the ceremony and met with the dwindling number of survivors.

He emphasized the continued importance of alliances, as demonstrated on D-Day, in today’s turbulent world.

He stated that “America first” does not equate to “America alone,” and that collaboration with allies and partners is crucial to addressing current global threats.

However, some veterans of World War II are uncertain whether this message has been fully understood.

Two centenarian combat veterans from New York, brought to France by the Greatest Generations Foundation, shared their perspectives.

Ray Sweeney, originally from Flushing, questioned, “What have we learned? I don’t believe we’ve learned much. We sacrificed many lives.”

Harold Radish, from Brooklyn, remarked, “War is romanticized in movies, but in reality, it’s about killing and discord.”

Despite this, the crowds attending the commemoration at the now-peaceful beaches were substantial, indicating that the sacrifices are remembered and perhaps some lessons have been absorbed.

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