Michelin North America, Inc. Sponsors 43 WWII Veterans to Retrace History in Normandy, France, for D-Day 79th Anniversary
GREENVILLE, S.C., June 15, 2023 – Michelin North America, Inc., in partnership with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines, helped make it possible for 43 members of the Greatest Generation to return to the site of a defining moment in world history, the Allied invasion of Normandy, France.
Departing May 31 and returning June 8, the Return to Normandy trip allowed WWII Veterans from all branches of the military to travel back to the site of the largest seaborne invasion in history, beginning the liberation of France and ultimately leading to the end of the war in Europe.
“June 6, 1944, is a day that will always be remembered, not only for the people of France, but the entire world as it signaled the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe,” said Alexis Garcin, President and CEO of Michelin North America, Inc. “Michelin is humbled to participate once again in this opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ to the Veterans who made it possible to celebrate freedom across not only Europe but the world.”
Landing in Deauville, France, on June 1, these Veterans’ return to the Normandy Region was marked with major celebrations in every city they visited. From Carentan to Caen and Sainte-Mere-Eglise to Bayeux, townspeople filled the streets to welcome their liberators at every stop. Children waved American and French flags, and adults cried while meeting their heroes, thanking them for not only their freedom, but freedom across Europe.
“The reception of the people of Normandy is something that I am amazed by every year,” said Jake Larson, U.S. Army D-Day veteran. “I was excited to return with my fellow Veterans to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It is up to us to remember.”
Michelin employees accompanied the trip, providing support to Veterans as care givers as well as in various support roles.
“I could not be prouder of the Michelin team for the support and professionalism they exhibited along every step of this profound journey,” said David Chapman, Vice President of Public Affairs for Michelin North America, Inc. “Whether acting as volunteer care-givers to our veterans or supporting the overall success of the trip, I cannot say enough about the dedication of the Michelin family for making this return to Normandy a tremendous success for our honored veterans.”
This is the second year that Michelin and Delta Air Lines have supported the Best Defense Foundation in this endeavor. Michelin and Delta’s corporate partnership will continue in 2024 as we work together to return World War II veterans back to Normandy for the upcoming 80th anniversary.
About Michelin North America
Michelin, the leading mobility company, is dedicated to enhancing its customers’ mobility, and sustainably; designing and distributing the most innovative tires, services and solutions for its customers’ needs; providing digital services, maps and guides to help enrich trips and travels and make them unique experiences; and developing high-technology materials that serve a variety of industries. Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, Michelin North America has approximately 23,000 employees and operates 34 production facilities in the United States and Canada. (michelinman.com)
For more information, contact:
David Finleyson
Michelin North America
david.finleyson@michelin.com
www.michelinmedia.com