U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Arrives in Paris for 82nd D-Day Anniversary
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth arrived in Paris today ahead of Saturday’s ceremonies marking the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Accompanied by family members, Hegseth stepped onto a red carpet at a French military airfield, where an honor guard and military band offered full ceremonial honors. The arrival highlights the enduring alliance between the United States and France, forged in the fires of World War II.
On June 6, 1944, more than 156,000 Allied troops stormed Normandy’s beaches in the largest amphibious invasion in history. The operation helped liberate Western Europe from Nazi occupation, with nearly 10,000 American service members now buried at the Normandy American Cemetery.
Hegseth will represent the United States at key commemorative events on June 6, including ceremonies at the cemetery, and is scheduled to meet with French officials. His visit follows last year’s anniversary, when he spoke at the cemetery and joined U.S. Army Rangers for a physical training run on Omaha Beach.
The use of “Secretary of War” reflects the department’s return to its original historical title.
As the number of surviving D-Day veterans dwindles, this year’s events serve as a solemn reminder of Allied sacrifice and a reaffirmation of transatlantic unity and collective defense at a time of renewed global challenges.
