Macron assures ongoing backing for Ukraine.
Freedom requires constant effort, especially in the face of those trying to forcibly change borders, stated Macron when discussing Russia's actions against Ukraine.
He then brought up the story of German paratrooper Johannes Böhner, who had experienced D-Day from the opposite side of the beach and was later captured. After the war, Böhner chose to make Normandy his home, becoming a French citizen in the process and marrying a French woman.
"Böhner became fully European," explained Macron. He reflected on the friendship formed between Böhner and Léon Gauthier, a former member of the Kieffer Command, which participated in D-Day. "The bond between these former enemies, their unwavering determination, symbolizes our reconciliation," Macron added.
Macron had bestowed the French Legion of Honor upon two American veterans previously. A total of 180 US veterans had journeyed to Normandy, with 33 among them having participated in D-Day on June 6, 1944.
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Macron highlighted the importance of remembering D-Day, which took place on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, during an anniversary commemoration. Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for Ukraine, stressing that their freedom is a continuous endeavor against those trying to alter borders forcefully, like Russia. Recalling a German paratrooper named Johannes Böhner, Macron pointed out that he chose France as his home after experiencing D-Day and became a French citizen. Macron mentioned the friendship between Böhner and Léon Gauthier, who participated in D-Day, and symbolized European reconciliation and unity. Macron also honored two American D-Day veterans with the French Legion of Honor, with several of them attending the Normandy anniversary commemoration.
