US President Joe Biden delivered a stark warning on Thursday, commemorating the anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, by cautioning that democracy faces significant peril worldwide.
Speaking at the American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where thousands of Allied soldiers who perished during the D-Day landings rest, Biden emphasized the current global challenges to democracy, declaring it to be at its most vulnerable since the end of World War II.
“We’re living in a time when democracy is more at risk across the world than at any point since the end of World War II,” Biden asserted, as he paid tribute to the sacrifices made on June 6, 1944, during the largest amphibious assault in history.
“Isolationism was not the answer 80 years ago and is not the answer today,” Biden added, underscoring the importance of international cooperation and alliances.
Accompanied by Britain’s King Charles III and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Biden hailed the D-Day operation as a testament to the strength of alliances. King Charles III echoed Biden’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity for free nations to unite against tyranny.
The event also saw the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who received a standing ovation from leaders and attendees alike. French President Emmanuel Macron commended the bravery of the Ukrainian people and warned against aggression that threatens Europe’s stability.
However, the absence of Russia at the event was conspicuous, highlighting its current international isolation. Biden took the opportunity to express unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “tyrant bent on domination.”
“We will not walk away because if we do, Ukraine will be subjugated, and it will not end there,” Biden affirmed, warning of broader implications for Europe if Russian aggression is left unchecked.
Biden’s address underscored the solemnity of the occasion, emphasizing the need to honor the legacy of those who fought and died for freedom on D-Day.
“If we were to surrender to bullies, to bow down to dictators, is simply unthinkable,” Biden concluded. “If we were to do that, it means we’d be forgetting what happened here on these hallowed beaches.”
The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and the collective responsibility to safeguard it in the face of modern challenges.
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