Hundreds of second World War veterans have begun commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, with many crossing the Channel for what may be the last time.
More than 650 servicemen, most in their 80s and 90s, have travelled to northern France for two days of ceremonies marking D-Day and the start of the liberation of Europe from Nazi rule.
During a summit of the G7 in Brussels, US president Barack Obama and British prime minister David Cameron paid tribute to the sacrifice of those who fought.
Heads of state from 17 nations will gather today for an international ceremony at Sword Beach, the easternmost of the five landing sites.
Potentially awkward
Prince Charles of the UK and Vladimir Putin are to attend today's ceremony, in a potentially awkward encounter following Charles's recent remarks comparing the Russian president's actions in Ukraine with those of Adolf Hitler.
The eyes of the world will focus on Normandy this week for what is likely to be the last decennial anniversary involving troops who took part in the landings. The Normandy Veterans’ Association, whose numbers have fallen to about 600 from some 15,000, has announced it will disband in November.
‘Last time’
Denys Hunter (90), from Romsey, Hampshire, in southeast England, was in Normandy for the first time since he landed with the Hertfordshire Yeomanry on Gold Beach on D-Day. "It's the last time I will ever get here," he said. "At 90, I've not got much chance to come again. I suppose I did leave it a bit late. But there you are."
About 200,000 visitors are due in the region this week to mark the anniversary of the momentous events.
Frenchwoman Arlette Gondree, who as a young girl was in a cafe that became the first property in Normandy to be liberated by Allied troops on D-Day, said: “There were many men who lost their lives and many young men who are now very old but we still love and remember them. They are the heroes.”– (PA)