Living Legends: World War II veterans return to Normandy to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day
For some, it will be their first return to Normandy since World War II and for most, due to advancing age, it will likely be their last.
Tampa International Airport was filled with applause Monday as four living legends and an entourage of other U.S. veterans and supporters made their way through Airside E, traveling to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The four World War II veterans, all now in their late 90s, are among the few remaining survivors of D-Day. For some, it will be their first time returning to the beaches of Normandy, where so many of their fellow soldiers lost their lives. For others, they say it will likely be their last visit due to their advancing age. 
Members of the Florida Elks Association organized the trip and arranged for a VIP sendoff from TPA. The Transportation Security Administration Honor Guard and youth from the Civil Air Patrol Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron escorted the veterans from the Main Terminal to Airside E where passengers throughout the terminal gave the group a standing ovation for their service and bravery.
Hector Hita Sr. (97), Malen Griep (98), Stearns Poor (96) and Angel Manuel Maldonado (97) were all greeted by the flight’s captain and first officer, who took time to salute and welcome each of the men on board for their connecting flight to France.
“These men were there -- they were on Omaha Beach,” said trip physician and Florida Elks member, Dr. Sonia Perez-Padilla. “Some of them still tear up when they talk about walking across the bloody beaches, but because of them, Europe and all of us are free today.”
D-Day took place on June 6, 1944, and is considered the largest seaborne invasion in history with 4,414 Allied troops losing their lives. The bodies of U.S. servicemen lost in the battle were all buried in France, one of the biggest reasons why Perez-Padilla says many veterans find it so important to return.
“They want to pay their respects to their friends and fellow soldiers who didn’t make it back," she said.
Watch highlights from the group’s emotional departure from TPA here: