Credits: Alexandra Hemmerly-Brown / Wikimedia Commons — Public domain.
Actor Tom Hanks and director Steven Spielberg landed at Caen-Carpiquet airport on Tuesday, June 5. This Thursday, June 6, 2024, they were spotted in Colleville-sur-Mer, the site of the Franco-American ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
This 80th anniversary is shaping up to be historic, with the presence of many public figures, heads of state, and World War II veterans. The presence of Hanks and Spielberg, known for Saving Private Ryan, was particularly noticed among the 4,000 invited guests.
In Spielberg’s film, Hanks plays Captain John H. Miller, leading a mission to find a missing soldier. Twenty-six years after the film’s release, the two stars once again set foot on Norman soil.
U.S. President Joe Biden will deliver a speech at the American cemetery, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who will present the insignia of Knight of the Legion of Honor to eleven American veterans. The ceremony will also include military honors and an aerial flyover.
Several internationally renowned artists are present for the commemorations, such as Cœur de Pirate and Tom Jones, who will perform during the official ceremonies. Axel Bauer, son of the famous Radio London announcer, is also present in tribute to his father.
Accompanied by his favorite actor, Steven Spielberg will attend the binational ceremony at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and likely the major international ceremony in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer.