These incredible before and after pictures show the true horror and heroism of a day that changed the world 72 years ago.
On June 6, 1944, Allied soldiers descended on the beaches of Normandy for D-Day, in an operation that marked the beginning of the end of a devastating six-year conflict and the eventual victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.
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In a mission described by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill as "undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place", D-Day was the beginning of an 80-day campaign to liberate the region which involved three million troops and cost 250,000 lives.
Few are left to tell the story of the D-Day landings, but today, as we remember the sacrifices and heroism of troops involved in the landings, these pictures of tourists soaking up the sun on Normandy's beaches stand in stark contrast to haunting images taken around the time of the crucial invasion.
D-Day Landing Sites Then And Now
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Tourists walk by where the body of a dead German soldier once lay in the main square of Place Du Marche in Trevieres after the town was taken by US troops who landed at nearby Omaha Beach in 1944. (credit:Reuters)
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Beach goers walk past a captured German bunker overlooking Omaha Beach near Saint Laurent sur Mer. (credit:Reuters)
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Farmer Raymond Bertot, who was 19 when allied troops came ashore in 1944, stands where US Army troops once made battle plans on his property near the former D-Day landing zone of Utah Beach in Les Dunes de Varreville. (credit:Reuters)
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Children walk over the remains of a concrete wall on the former Utah Beach D-Day landing zone, once a vital means of defence for US Army soldiers. (credit:Reuters)
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A farm field remains where German prisoners of war, captured after the D-Day landings in Normandy were once guarded by US troops at a camp in Nonant-le-Pin, France. (credit:Reuters)
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In 2014, tourists stroll by where the 2nd Battalion US Army Rangers once marched to their landing craft in Weymouth, England June 5, 1944. (credit:Reuters)
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The former Juno Beach D-Day landing zone, where Canadian forces once came ashore, in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, France. Once a scene of death and destruction, now a tourist's paradise. (credit:Reuters)
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Where Canadian troops once patrolled in 1944 after German forces were dislodged from Caen, shoppers now walk along the rebuilt Rue Saint-Pierre in Caen, which was destroyed following the D-Day landings. (credit:Reuters)
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Where US Army reinforcements once marched on June 18, 1944, tourists now tread the same path to the beach near Colleville sur Mer, France. (credit:Reuters)
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Tourists top up their tans where the members of an American landing party once assisted troops whose landing craft was sunk by enemy fire off Omaha beach in 1944. (credit:Reuters)
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Holidaymakers enjoy the sunshine, while on June 6, 1944 US reinforcements landed on Omaha beach during the Normandy D-Day landings near Vierville sur Mer, France. (credit:Reuters)
In June 2014 thousands of people, including some of the ever-decreasing number of D-Day veterans, flocked to beaches, cemeteries and villages linked to the landings.
British veterans of landings honoured their fallen comrades during a poignant service of remembrance in Normandy attended by the Queen.
David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband and about 400 Commonwealth troops also attended the Royal British Legion service at Bayeux Cathedral.
The Prime Minister said it was "incredibly moving" to be at the events in Normandy and it was "humbling" for people of his generation who had not had to do anything like the heroic actions of June 6 1944.
"It is awe inspiring, it gives you a sense of humility but above all it gives you a sense of extraordinary gratitude for what these amazingly brave people did."
He said the veterans still had a "spring in their step and joy in their hearts about coming back here and remembering what they did".
Guests also included French prime minister Manuel Valls and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who were all packed into the Norman-Romanesque cathedral - the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry - on a day which is expected to mark the high point of the D-Day anniversary events.
At the start of the service the Reverend Patrick Irwin, the Royal British Legion Chaplain to Normandy, told the congregation: "Here in this cemetery we are reminded of the true cost of D-Day whose 70th anniversary we mark today.
"We pay tribute to the dead and welcome enthusiastically the veterans for whose courage and devotion we are most grateful.
"This is a British cemetery and most of the graves in this place are British but D-Day involved many nations and many nations are represented here."
The Chaplain added: "Here in this cemetery men from many nations lie together united in death, and together, united in gratitude, sorrow and respect, we honour their memory - may they rest in peace."
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings
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Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to a soldier in Arromanches-les-Bains, on June 6, 2014, during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to World War II veterans in Arromanches-les-Bains, Normandy, France, Friday, June 6, 2014, during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy (credit:AP Photo/Leon Neal, Pool)
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Britain's Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to World War II veterans in Arromanches-les-Bains, on June 6, 2014, during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Britain's Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to World War II veterans in Arromanches-les-Bains, on June 6, 2014, during an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Normandy veterans are introduced to the crowd during an International Ceremony at Sword Beach in Normandy to mark the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. (credit:PA)
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British Prime Minister David Cameron talks with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond (2nd left) and Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson (left) at a service to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day at Bayeux Cemetery, France. (credit:PA)
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Russian President Vladimir Putin during an International Ceremony with Heads of State at Sword Beach in Normandy to mark the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and Samantha Cameron arrive for an International Ceremony with Heads of State at Sword Beach in Normandy to mark the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. (credit:PA)
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President Barak Obama of the United States during an International Ceremony with Heads of State at Sword Beach in Normandy to mark the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 6, 2014. See PA story MEMORIAL DDay. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire (credit:PA)
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Queen Maxima and Willem Alexander of Holland during an International Ceremony with Heads of State at Sword Beach in Normandy to mark the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Friday June 6, 2014. See PA story MEMORIAL DDay. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire (credit:PA)
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A performance showing the process of D-Day through to post-war piece is shown on Sword Beach during the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, Ouistreham, France. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron speaks to Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (right) on Sword Beach during the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, Ouistreham, France. (credit:PA)
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The French Acrobatic Patrol Alpha Jets perform a flypast over Sword Beach to mark the end of the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, Ouistreham, France. (credit:PA)
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Queen Elizabeth II watches a performance showing the process of D-Day through to post-war piece on Sword Beach during the Commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, Ouistreham, France. (credit:PA)
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Queen Elizabeth II at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) lays a wreath with the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (right) and the Governor-General of New Zealand Jerry Mateparae (left) at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales meets veterans during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha meet veterans at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales meets veterans during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales meets veterans during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Duchess of Cornwall at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Samantha Cameron, the Prime Ministers wife, at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales meets veterans during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Bayeux Cemetery during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Duchess of Cornwall meets veterans during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales meets veterans during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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US President Barack Obama participates in a group photo of world leaders attending the D-Day 70th Anniversary ceremonies at Chateau de Benouville in Benouville, France, June 6, 2014. The D-Day ceremonies mark the 70th anniversary of the launching of 'Operation Overlord', a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, FRANCE - JUNE 06: U.S. President Barack Obama applauds WWII Veterans during a ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery on the 70th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 2014 in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) pasts US President Barack Obama as he arrives for a group photo of world leaders attending the D-Day 70th Anniversary ceremonies at Chateau de Benouville in Benouville, France, June 6, 2014.The D-Day ceremonies mark the 70th anniversary of the launching of 'Operation Overlord', a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Russian President Vladimir Putin (C) arrives for a group photo past US President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth during a group photo of world leaders attending the D-Day 70th Anniversary ceremonies at Chateau de Benouville in Benouville, France, June 6, 2014.The D-Day ceremonies mark the 70th anniversary of the launching of 'Operation Overlord', a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. AFP PHOTO / Saul LOEB (Photo credit should read SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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(from centre left) The Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha, and the New Zealand General Governor Jerry Mateparae look on as a new bell is inauguarated at Bayeux Cathedral during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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A general view of Bayeux Cathedral during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Queen Elizabeth II lays a wreath at the foot of the Cross of Sacrifice in the centre of Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, during a service of remembrance, Normandy, France. (credit:PA)
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Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) and Governor-General of New Zealand Jerry Mateparae (nearest camera) lay wreaths at the foot of the Cross of Sacrifice in the centre of Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, during a service of remembrance, Normandy, France. (credit:PA)
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Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Prime Minister David Cameron (centre) and Governor-General of New Zealand Jerry Mateparae (nearest camera) lay wreaths at the foot of the Cross of Sacrifice in the centre of Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, during a service of remembrance, Normandy, France. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha meet members of the public at Bayeux Cemetery where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and Governor-General of New Zealand Jerry Mateparae (nearest camera) lay wreaths at the foot of the Cross of Sacrifice in the centre of Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, during a service of remembrance, Normandy, France. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron (right) and his wife Samantha (left) speak with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (centre) at Bayeux Cemetery where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Samantha Cameron, the wife of the Prime Minister, walks to Bayeux Cemetery with a veterans family member, where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha walk to Bayeux Cemetery with veterans, and their family members, from the Normandy landings where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron speaks with Labour leader Ed Miliband at Bayeux Cemetery where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha meet members of the public at Bayeux Cemetery where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha walk to Bayeux Cemetery with veterans, and their family members, from the Normandy landings where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Normandy veterans take part in a service of remembrance at Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, Normandy, France. (credit:PA)
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Normandy veteran Gordon Drabble, 89, from Sheffield, recently awarded the Legion D'Honeur, plants a wooden cross at the grave of a fallen comrade in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, Normandy, France. (credit:PA)
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The fly-past before the Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, to mark 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha walk to Bayeux Cemetery with veterans, and their family members, from the Normandy landings where they attended a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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(left to right) The Duke of Edinburgh, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, and Queen Elizabeth II attend the Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, to mark 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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(left to right) French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince of Wales attend the Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, to mark 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha walk to Bayeux Cathedral in Normandy, before attending a service of remembrance for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings. (credit:PA)
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Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha arrive at Bayeux Cathedral for a commemorative service to mark 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The fly-past before the Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, to mark 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II bows her head during a bi-national France-UK D-Day commemoration ceremony at the British War Cemetery of Bayeux, on June 6, 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / THOMAS BREGARDIS (Photo credit should read THOMAS BREGARDIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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French Interior Minister Manuel Valls (2nd L), Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (C) and her husband Prince Philip (L), Duke of Edinburgh, Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (2nd R) his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, attend a bi-national France-UK D-Day commemoration ceremony at the British War Cemetery of Bayeux, on June 6, 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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(FromL) French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Britain's Prince Charles , attend a bi-national France-UK D-Day commemoration ceremony at the British War Cemetery of Bayeux on June 6, 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / TOBY MELEVILLE (Photo credit should read TOBY MELVILLE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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US President Barack Obama speaks during a joint French-US D-Day commemoration ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-mer, Normandy, on June 6, 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / DAMIEN MEYER (Photo credit should read DAMIEN MEYER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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The Duke of Edinburgh, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls, Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince of Wales attend the Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux, to mark 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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US President Barack Obama (R) and French President Francois Hollande (L) stand during a joint French-US D-Day commemoration ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial (credit:Getty)
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A piper plays a lament on Gold Beach as landing craft from the Royal Marines arrive at Arromanche, Les Bains, France (credit:Getty)
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(L-R) , French Prime minister Manuel Valls (R) shakes hands with leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party Ed Miliband (L) next to Britain's deputy PM Nick Clegg (C) in front of the Cathedral in Bayeux prior to a British D-Day commemoration ceremony at the cathedral in Bayeux, Normandy, on June 6, 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are greeted by French Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois as they arrive for a British D-Day commemoration ceremony at the Bayeux Cathedral, Normandy, on June 6, 2014, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy. AFP PHOTO / POOL / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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The Prince of Wales at Bayeux Cathedral during a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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Normandy veteran Ken Scott, 98, from the Durham Light Infantry, leaves Bayeux Cathedral following a commemorative service to mark 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Bayeux Cathedral for a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
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An American flag is placed in the sand of Omaha Beach, western France, Friday, June 6, 2014. Veterans and Normandy residents are paying tribute to the thousands who gave their lives in the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France 70 years ago (credit:Getty)
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D-Day Veteran 88 year old Victor Walker, formerly of HMS Versatile, arrives at Bayeux Cathedral for a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during World War II. (credit:PA)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(71 of90)
ASNELLES, FRANCE - JUNE 05: WW2 veteran Fred Holborn, from the Fleet Air Arm, looks at British Legion Union flags carrying thank you messages planted in the sand on Gold beach on June 5, 2014 near Asnelles, France. 20,000 paper flags are being planted. Each one carries a personal message of Remembrance submitted by Royal British Legion supporters. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HERMANVILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: Former Royal Engineer and D-Day veteran Gordon Smith, aged 90, from Newbury, waves as a military aircraft passes overhead after the Royal Artillery Commemoration Service and parade at Sword Beach on June 5, 2014 in Hermanville, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HERMANVILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: D-Day veterans (L-R) Wally Beale 90, Doug Lakey 94, Bernie Howell 89, Bob Conway 88, George French 88, Gordon Smith 90, and Albert Williams 96, from the Royal Wootton Bassett Normandy Veterans Association share a joke during a group photograph on sword Beach after the Royal Artillery Commemoration Parade and service on June 5, 2014 in Hermanville, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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HERMANVILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: Former Royal Engineer and D-Day veteran Gordon Smith, aged 90, from Newbury, sheds a tear during the Royal Artillery Commemoration Service and parade at Sword Beach on June 5, 2014 in Hermanville, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(75 of90)
ASNELLES, FRANCE - JUNE 05: A French military helicopter passes overhead as WW2 veteran Fred Holborn, from the Fleet Air Arm, looks at British Legion Union flags carrying thank you messages planted in the sand on Gold beach on June 5, 2014 near Asnelles, France. 20,000 paper flags are being planted. Each one carries a personal message of Remembrance submitted by Royal British Legion supporters. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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ASNELLES, FRANCE - JUNE 05: British Legion Union flags carrying thank you messages for D-Day veterans are planted in the sand on Gold beach on June 5, 2014 near Asnelles, France. 20,000 paper flags are being planted. Each one carries a personal message of Remembrance submitted by Royal British Legion supporters. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(77 of90)
ASNELLES, FRANCE - JUNE 05: WW2 veteran Fred Holborn, from the Fleet Air Arm, salutes as he looks at British Legion Union flags carrying thank you messages planted in the sand on Gold beach on June 5, 2014 near Asnelles, France. 20,000 paper flags are being planted. Each one carries a personal message of Remembrance submitted by Royal British Legion supporters. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Preparation Ahead Of The 70th Anniversary Of D-Day(78 of90)
LA CAMBE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: Crosses and gravestones stand at the German Cemetery where approximately 21,000 German World War II soldiers are buried on June 5, 2014 at La Cambe, France. Friday the 6th of June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings that saw 156,000 troops from the Allied countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Preparation Ahead Of The 70th Anniversary Of D-Day(79 of90)
LA CAMBE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: A groundskeeper mows grass among gravestones at the German Cemetery where approximately 21,000 German World War II soldiers are buried on June 5, 2014 at La Cambe, France. Friday the 6th of June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings that saw 156,000 troops from the Allied countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(80 of90)
RANVILLE, NORMANDY - JUNE 05: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief, Army Air Corps, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (not pictured) attend a lunch with D-day veterans at a community centre during the D Day 70 Commemoration on June 5, 2014 in Ranville, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Bruce Adams - WPA Pool / Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(81 of90)
RANVILLE, NORMANDY - JUNE 05: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief, Army Air Corps, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (not pictured) attend a lunch with D-day veterans at a community centre during the D Day 70 Commemoration on June 5, 2014 in Ranville, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Bruce Adams - WPA Pool / Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(82 of90)
RANVILLE, NORMANDY - JUNE 05: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief, Army Air Corps, places a commemorative wreath at the foot of the Glider Pilot Regiment Memorial at Pegasus Bridge during the D Day 70 Commemoration on June 5, 2014 in Ranville, France. (Photo by Jonathan Brady - WPA Pool / Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Preparation Ahead Of The 70th Anniversary Of D-Day(83 of90)
LA CAMBE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: Visitors walk among gravestones at the German Cemetery where approximately 21,000 German World War II soldiers are buried on June 5, 2014 at La Cambe, France. Friday the 6th of June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings that saw 156,000 troops from the Allied countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(84 of90)
RANVILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: Soldiers travelling on a vintage jeep cross Pegasus Bridge (also known as the Bénouville Bridge) during D-Day Commemorations on June 5, 2014 in Ranville, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Normandy(85 of90)
RANVILLE, FRANCE - JUNE 05: Soldiers travelling on a vintage jeep cross Pegasus Bridge (also known as the Bénouville Bridge) during D-Day Commemorations on June 5, 2014 in Ranville, France. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FRANCE-BRITAIN-HISTORY-WWII-DDAY(86 of90)
British soldiers stand next to their weapons placed on the ground, in front of Bayeux's war cemetery, northern France, on June 5, 2014, a day before the start of the D-Day commemorations. The D-Day ceremonies on June 6 this year mark the 70th anniversary since the launch of 'Operation Overlord', a vast military operation by Allied forces in Normandy, which turned the tide of World War II, eventually leading to the liberation of occupied France and the end of the war against Nazi Germany. AFP PHOTO / JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER (Photo credit should read JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
WWII-DDAY-BRITAIN-FRANCE(87 of90)
Britain's Red Arrows airplane display team perform during D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth in southern England on June 5, 2014. Several hundred surviving veterans of the 1944 D-Day landings are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the mission on both sides of the English channel. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Portsmouth(88 of90)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - JUNE 05: The Red Arrows display team perform over Southsea Common at the end of a commemoration service of the D-Day landings on June 5, 2014 in Portsmouth, England. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
The 70th Anniversary Of The D-Day Landings Are Commemorated In Portsmouth(89 of90)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND - JUNE 05: The Red Arrows display team perform over Southsea Common at the end of a commemoration service of the D-Day landings on June 5, 2014 in Portsmouth, England. Friday 6th June is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings which saw 156,000 troops from the allied countries including the United Kingdom and the United States join forces to launch an audacious attack on the beaches of Normandy, these assaults are credited with the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. A series of events commemorating the 70th anniversary are planned for the week with many heads of state travelling to the famous beaches to pay their respects to those who lost their lives. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
WWII-DDAY-BRITAIN-FRANCE(90 of90)
Britain's Red Arrows airplane display team perform during D-Day commemorations in Portsmouth in southern England on June 5, 2014. Several hundred surviving veterans of the 1944 D-Day landings are commemorating the 70th anniversary of the mission on both sides of the English channel. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)