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A mass parachute jump over Normandy kicks commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day

Jun 2, 2024 | 5:53 AM

CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS, France (AP) — Parachutists jumping from World War II-era planes hurled themselves Sunday into now peaceful Normandy skies where war once raged, heralding a week of ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

On June 6, 1944, soldiers from across the United States, Britain, Canada and other Allied nations waded ashore through hails of fire on five beaches.

World leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British royals are among VIPs that France is expecting for a week of anniversary ceremonies.