- For the fourth consecutive year, Michelin commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy, France.
- The return to Normandy also includes students who will help carry forward the legacy of these veterans for future generations.
- In partnership with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines, Michelin brings 30 American World War II veterans back to France.
GREENVILLE, S.C., May 29, 2025 — Michelin North America, Inc. has partnered with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines to help 30 World War II veterans return to France for the 81st anniversary of D-Day.
“These veterans exemplify the highest ideals of courage and sacrifice. By supporting their return to Normandy, we honor not only their heroism but also ensure their stories inspire future generations,” said Matthew Cabe, Michelin North America, Inc. President and CEO. “This journey reflects Michelin’s ongoing commitment to preserving the legacy of veterans and expressing our profound gratitude for their service.”
The veterans — accompanied by volunteers from Michelin, Delta and Best Defense — will depart on a chartered flight on May 31, 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year of the partnership dedicated to honoring the legacy and sacrifices of these service members. The group will participate in a series of commemorative events including the June 6 D-Day ceremony, marking 81 years since the largest seaborne invasion in history that ultimately led to victory in Europe.
“It is our honor and privilege to continue this historic charter and weeklong celebration as a journey of remembrance and gratitude, dedicated to our World War II heroes,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Delta has a deep history of supporting our military service members and veterans, and this program is one of the many ways we live our values in service of those who served us.”
Four years taking flight: a legacy of remembrance
The Michelin Group has supported D-Day commemorations through multiple initiatives spanning the company’s history.
In 1947, for the third anniversary of D-Day, Michelin published a landmark series of four bilingual maps in French and English: “Battle of Normandy” (No. 102), “Battle of Provence" (No. 103), “Battle of Alsace” (No. 104) and “Liberty Road” (No. 105). These historic documents served not only as geographical references but also as crucial tools for tracing battle movements and historical narratives.
Michelin’s collaboration with the Best Defense Foundation and Delta Air Lines began in 2021, establishing the partnership that has now brought veterans back to France annually since the 78th anniversary of D-Day in 2022.
“Bringing these heroes back to Normandy is about giving them the recognition and closure they deserve,” said Donnie Edwards, Best Defense Foundation President and Founder. “Our partnerships with Michelin North America, Inc. and Delta Air Lines allow us to continue this important mission of honoring their legacy where it all began.”
A history for future generations to uphold
Best Defense Foundation will bring 10 students through its Next Generation Student Program to Normandy. Students will walk in the footsteps of history alongside the veterans who lived it, carrying the legacy of these veterans forward.
This immersive 10-day program transports students to D-Day sites including Omaha Beach, Pegasus Bridge and Carentan, where they'll serve as personal escorts for World War II veterans returning to these historic battlegrounds.
Beyond a profound educational experience, this program offers students the chance to be inspired by living heroes while gaining knowledge to share these powerful stories with future generations. Students demonstrated their commitment to preserving this vital history and their dedication to supporting veterans in their community in an application process.
A pivotal moment in Michelin’s story
In the spring of 1944, as Allied forces prepared for the Normandy landings, commanders worried about navigation in France where road signs had been sabotaged. The Michelin Guide, with its 500 city maps, became essential. The Allied General Staff had the 1939 edition reprinted in Washington, marked “For official use only,” and distributed to every D-Day commander.
Following Paris’ liberation, Michelin supplied 190,000 maps on Aug. 29, 1944 — the same day they were requested — and delivered an additional 194,000 just eight days later to support Allied advancement through northeastern France and Belgium.
On Nov. 7, 1945, Allied Forces awarded Michelin the “A” for Achievement in Production for Armed Forces pennant at the company’s headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand.
For more information:
Sarah Janicz
sarah.janicz@michelin.com | www.michelinmedia.com