To mark the 80th anniversary of the historic D-Day victory at the beaches of Normandy, a young U.S. service member read The Watch to World War II veterans present at a ceremony in Normandy, France.
“Eighty years ago, these sailors stood the watch. While some of us were in our bunks at night, these soldiers stood the watch. While some of us were in school learning our trade, marines, airmen, and coasties stood the watch. Yes, even before some of us were born into this world, the men behind me and their brothers and sisters who stood before me stood the watch,” she read, with the camera zooming in on the heroes.
“They stood the watch 80 years ago. They stood the watch so that we, our families, and our fellow countrymen and women can sleep soundly in safety each and every night knowing that these veterans stood the watch,” she continued. “Today, we are here to say, World War II veterans, the watch is relieved. Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and lead. American World War II veterans, you stand relieved. We have the watch.”
Watch the clip above.