WWII veterans visit Normandy with support from Michelin

NORMANDY, France — It's been nearly 80 years since D-Day, and making sure surviving U.S. veterans of that history-making invasion are able to revisit the battle sites has become a mission of Michelin North America Inc.

Working in partnership with Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines Inc., Michelin helped organize and fund a nine-day trip in early June for 44 WW II veterans from all branches of the U.S. military who served in WW II, including some of those who were there on the French beaches on June 6, 1944.

Starting in the French coastal town of Deauville, the tour visited dozens of towns from Carentan to Caen and Sainte-Mere-Eglise to Bayeux, where according to the sponsoring trio, townspeople filled the streets to welcome their liberators at every stop. Children waved American and French flags, and adults cried while meeting their heroes, thanking them for not only their freedom, but freedom across Europe.

It's woven into the gratitude — the reverence — on full display throughout the Normandy region. Because that surprise attack on the Axis powers led not only to the liberation of France, it marked a turning a point in the war itself.

"The reception of the people of Normandy is something that I am amazed by every year," U.S. Army veteran Jake Larson —  who was part of the D-Day invasion of the Normandy beaches —said. "I was excited to return with my fellow veterans to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It is up to us to remember."

Larson was among the 44 WW II veterans and caregivers to make the trip to France with Best Defense Foundation this past June. Michelin employees also accompanied the trip, providing support to the travelers.

"June 6, 1944, is a day that will always be remembered, not only for the people of France, but the entire world as it signaled the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe," Alexis Garcin, president and CEO of Michelin North America, said.

"Michelin is humbled to participate once again in this opportunity to say, 'Thank you,' to the veterans who made it possible to celebrate freedom across not only Europe but the world."

This marked the second year that Michelin and Delta supported the Best Defense Foundation's initiative. The non-profit reached out to Michelin — as a French company — then to see if it would be interested in partnering/sponsoring the trip with Delta Air Lines. Presented with that opportunity, Garcin stated, "It is the right thing to do."

Both intend to extend support in 2024, the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Founded in 2018 by former NFL Linebacker, Donnie Edwards, the Best Defense Foundation honors and celebrates veterans from past conflicts, including, WW II, Korea, Vietnam and those who have recently retired. This Foundation is driven by volunteers – people who are passionate about supporting military veterans and their families.

Team members hail from all parts of the U.S. and Europe, but are united by one simple goal: "Taking care of the ones who took care of us.

To date, the Foundation has taken over 100 WW II veterans on Battlefield Return Program, where they're able to remember fallen comrades and gain closure of a time in their life that had an impact on the world. Through the programs, WW II veterans can visit battle sites all over the world, including Normandy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Guam, Saipan and Tinian for commemorations.