The comedian Tom Hanks and the director Steven Spielberg landed at Caen-Carpiquet airport on Tuesday, June 5. This Thursday, June 6, 2024, they were spotted in Colleville-sur-Mer, the site of the Franco-American ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
This 80th anniversary promises to be historic with the presence of numerous personalities, heads of state, and World War II veterans. The presence of Hanks and Spielberg, known for Saving Private Ryan, was particularly noted among the 4,000 guests.
In this Spielberg film, Hanks portrays Captain John H. Miller, leading a mission to find a lost soldier. Twenty-six years after the film’s release, the two stars have once again set foot on Norman soil.
American President Joe Biden will deliver a speech at the American cemetery, followed by French President Emmanuel Macron who will award the Legion of Honor to eleven American veterans. The ceremony will also include military honors and an aerial parade.
Several internationally renowned artists are present for the commemorations, such as Cœur de Pirate and Tom Jones, who will perform during the official ceremonies. Axel Bauer, son of the famous Radio London speaker, is also present in tribute to his father.
Accompanied by his favorite actor, Steven Spielberg will attend the binational ceremony at the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer and likely the grand international ceremony in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer.