Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy lead D-Day memorial
- 00:03:07
- ITN
Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy lead D-Day memorial
World leaders have gathered in France to mark the 65th anniversary of D-Day. Gordon Brown and Prince Charles joined US President Barack Obama and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy to remember those who fought and died in the Normandy landings. On June 6, 1944, thousands of Allied troops landed or parachuted on to occupied France in an effort to free Europe from the Nazis. Estimates put Allied fatalities at 4,400. Charles was only asked to attend by French President Nicolas Sarkozy at the last minute following claims the Queen was being snubbed by France. Some British veterans in Normandy showed their anger on Friday by wearing badges bearing photos of the Sovereign. New Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth travelled to France to join the Prime Minster after his predecessor John Hutton resigned from his post. The Prince and the Prime Minister attended a service of remembrance at Bayeux Cathedral, Bayeux for British veterans. Later, Charles laid a wreath at the Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Committee cemetery and meet veterans. Mr Brown and the Prince joined world leaders including Mr Obama for a major commemoration event at the Normandy America cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer. Mr Brown said: "65 years ago in the thin light of grey dawn more than 1,000 small craft took to a rough sea on a day that will be forever a day of bravery. "On that June morning the young of our nations stepped out on those beaches below and into history. "As long as freedom lives their debts will never die." He added: "On D-Day the sounds of liberation on the march were heard across Europe." Mr Brown said it was an "honour" to speak for the British people on this day which marks the "triumph of right over wrong, truth over lies". He said Europe and America were allies "not for a season but for centuries" and added: "In June 1944 in this place and at that moment Europe and America came closer together than at any time and any country." Mr Brown praised British veteran Jack Woods who was presented with the rank of Officer of the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest military distinction, by President Sarkozy during the ceremony. He said: "I know the whole of Britain will be proud that their veteran is today decorated by President Sarkozy." A total of 9,387 US servicemen are buried at Colleville's American Cemetery, 307 whose names are unknown. Their resting place overlooks Omaha beach, the last and toughest beach to capture on D-Day. Actor Tom Hanks, who played Captain John H Miller in the film Saving Private Ryan which dramatises the horror of the Omaha landing in its opening sequence, was amongst guests. The film's director Steven Spielberg was also invited to attend.
ITN | June 6, 2009
