From a site of American heroism in the face of tyranny, President Joe Biden spoke Friday from the coast of Normandy, France, highlighting the vital role the U.S. still plays in protecting global democracy from authoritarianism and tyranny.
A day after joining world leaders to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, President Biden echoed a speech given by President Ronald Reagan 40 years ago from Pointe du Hoc, France. The location is significant, as it marks the point between Omaha and Utah beaches where Army rangers scaled the cliffs against fortified German positions during World War II in an effort to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation.
"As we gather here today, it's not just to honor those who showed such remarkable bravery on that day, June 6, 1944," President Biden said. "It's to listen to the echoes of their voices — to hear them — because they are summoning us, and they're summoning us now."
Europe
Biden delivers remarks in Normandy on 80th anniversary of D-Day invasion
Reagan used the same location in 1984 to speak on the strength of alliance and democracy in the midst of the U.S. Cold War with the Soviet Union. President Biden's speech also drew comparisons from the D-Day invasion of World War II to present day, when Europe is again under threat, this time by Russian President Vladimir Putin amid his continued war in Ukraine.
"I still believe there's nothing beyond our capacity in America when we act together," President Biden continued. "We're the fortunate heirs of the legacies of these heroes, those who scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc. We must also be the keepers of their mission, the keepers of their mission, the bearers of the flame of freedom that they kept burning bright."
Earlier Friday, President Biden also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, apologizing for the monthslong delay in additional U.S. assistance for Ukraine that has allowed Russia to make gains on the battlefield. Still, President Biden vowed continued support for Ukraine and said "the U.S. is standing with you."
Foreign Policy
US to send new $225 million military aid package to Ukraine
The meeting came one day after the U.S. announced plans to send $225 million in additional military aid to Ukraine. The package includes munitions, missiles and armored vehicles.
According to a new directive from President Biden, Ukraine can now — for the first time — use these U.S.-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia's border. However, the weapons can only be used to defend against Russian attacks and not be used for offensive assaults.
