U.S. Congressional Veterans to Honor D-Day's 80th Anniversary with Historic C-47 Jump

A group of veterans currently serving in the United States Congress will honor the 80th anniversary of D-Day by parachuting from a World War II-era Douglas C-47 aircraft into Normandy. This tribute jump, set to take place on Friday, is a nod to the bravery of the Allied forces who fought to liberate Europe.

Retired Green Beret and Florida Republican Rep. Michael Waltz, along with a bipartisan cohort of veteran lawmakers, will make the historic leap over Mont Saint-Michel in France. This event commemorates the courage of those who participated in the D-Day invasion, using one of the original planes from the era.

“I spoke with (CBSMornings) about the 80th #DDay Anniversary and how we’re honoring the brave Americans who led the charge on the liberation of Europe,” Waltz posted on X. “On Friday, I’ll join veteran Members of Congress jumping into Normandy from one of the original C-47s from the invasion!”

Waltz emphasized that this is no leisurely skydive. “From a military standpoint, the longer you’re sitting up there floating under a parachute, the more vulnerable you are to get shot. So you want to be as low to the ground as possible so that you float to the ground as fast as possible,” he explained.

• He noted that the landing is far from gentle. “You don’t land softly, like when you see a skydiver just kind of tiptoe right onto the ground. You hit pretty hard,” Waltz said. “Everyone has experience but for some people it’s been quite a long time since they retired and since they were in an active airborne unit.”

A significant congressional delegation will accompany Waltz and his crew for a series of commemorative events in France. The 80th anniversary commemoration highlights the urgency of honoring the remaining World War II veterans. “The youngest World War II veteran that we know of that will be there is 96. The oldest is 107,” Waltz noted. “Several have died just since they signed up with American Airlines to go. So it’s important to honor them to keep their legacy alive.”

In preparation, Waltz led the group in a practice jump in Florida to review safety procedures and refresh their airborne skills. Speaker Mike Johnson, aware of the jump, humorously reminded the participants of their critical roles given the Republicans’ slim majority. “We joked with Speaker Johnson that the plane is 81 years old. It’s a vintage World War II plane,” Waltz said. “All of our uniforms will be vintage. We’re going over the same drop zone as our forefathers in World War II. But the parachutes are new. And we have a backup chute. So don’t worry, it’ll be just fine.”

During their visit, the group will also pay their respects at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, where over 2,500 American soldiers who perished during the D-Day assault are buried. This solemn visit underscores the profound sacrifices made 80 years ago and the enduring gratitude owed to those who fought for freedom.

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