Photos show world leaders, veterans commemorating D-Day’s 80th anniversary

Eighty years ago, the Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, during World War II on what would be known as D-Day. The surprise invasion ultimately led to the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe and the end of the war itself just over a year later.

Heads of state from around the world have traveled to France over the past few days to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the landing.

U.S. President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s King Charles III and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended a U.S. ceremony at the American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, on Thursday, along with other notable figures such as “Saving Private Ryan” star Tom Hanks and director Steven Spielberg. The ceremony featured speeches, a 21-gun salute, flyovers and the playing of military bugle call taps.

Around 150 American veterans who took part in the landings were also expected to attend the ceremony. One American veteran, Robert “Al” Persichitti from New York, died while on his way to the memorial service. He was 102.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prince William also attended a separate Canadian commemorative ceremony near the village of Courseulles-sur-Mer, in northwestern France.

Here are some scenes from the commemorations.