- American Airlines has announced that it will offer charter flights to France for 70 World War II veterans.
- It commemorates the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
- The trip begins with a farewell parade at Dallas-Forth Worth Airport.
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Dozens of World War II veterans will enjoy free flights to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
American Airlines announced Wednesday that it will carry 70 military veterans aboard its chartered Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The event will begin with a dinner at the airline’s headquarters and a farewell parade at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport before departing on a chartered flight to Paris on May 31st.
The veterans will spend two days in the French capital, followed by a series of events in Normandy, ending with a ceremony at the American Cemetery.
In February, Delta Air Lines announced a similar plan. For the third consecutive year, 60 World War II veterans will be transported directly to Normandy.
One of the veterans aboard the AA is Frank Perry. Frank Perry is a former pilot for Piedmont Airlines, which later became part of American Airlines. He served in the Army Air Corps as a turret gunner.
Felix Maurizio, a U.S. Navy veteran, will also be on board the flight. He was on one of the landing craft that transported soldiers, including his brother, to Omaha Beach on D-Day.
“We are honored to be a part of helping this group of heroic veterans return to Normandy,” said David Seymour, chief operating officer of American Airlines and a veteran himself.
“This special journey not only shows our gratitude to our heroes and the sacrifices they have made for our freedom, but also shines a light on their extraordinary stories and preserves their legacy for posterity. I hope to leave this behind.”