In a heartfelt tribute [1] to the heroism of World War II veterans, a group of American lawmakers performed a parachute jump into Normandy, echoing the daring actions of D-Day paratroopers 80 years ago. These lawmakers, all veterans themselves, utilized some of the same vintage aircraft that carried American soldiers over France during the historic invasion. A post to X shows Rep. Cory Mill’s (R-Fla.) exciting jump with a birds’-eye view:
JUST IN: @CoryMillsFL [2] jumps from a perfectly good air plane in Normandy, France, in honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day! pic.twitter.com/ycUUBWCcNu [3]
— David Pollack (@ThePollackShow) June 7, 2024 [4]
Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) spearheaded the mission, accompanied by fellow veterans in Congress: Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Rich McCormick (R-Ga.), Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), and Keith Self (R-Texas).
Reflecting on the experience, Rep. Crow, an Army Ranger who has served in units integral to the Normandy invasion, expressed the deep personal significance of the jump. “Revisiting those same fields 80 years later was an extraordinary experience, underscoring the immense service and sacrifice of our predecessors,” Crow stated.
In an interview with ABC News prior to the jump, Crow emphasized the unity and shared purpose that define America’s greatest moments. “Our nation thrives when we unite under a common cause and make individual sacrifices for the greater good,” he said. Crow also pointed to the importance of American leadership in the world, suggesting that this commemorative jump serves as a reminder of its value.
Rep. Waltz highlighted the urgency of honoring World War II veterans, noting that this anniversary might be the last significant one with surviving participants. “The youngest veteran we know is 96, and the oldest is 107. It’s crucial to keep their stories and sacrifices alive,” Waltz remarked. He also stressed the importance of bipartisan cooperation and suggested that having more veterans in Congress could benefit the country.
This event brought together lawmakers from across the political spectrum, demonstrating a united front in paying respects to the sacrifices of D-Day veterans. Both Crow and Waltz had previously participated in a similar jump five years ago for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, reinforcing their commitment to remembering this pivotal moment in history.
The jump included a thrilling yet safe experience with vintage planes, which Rep. Crow humorously acknowledged. “Jumping from an 80-year-old aircraft is a bit unnerving, but the pilots were outstanding, and the exercise was very safe,” Crow noted, appreciating the advancements in modern aviation systems.