‘Savior of the People’: World War II Veteran Embraces Zelensky in Touching Moment at D-Day Celebrations

@saintjavelin on Twitter/X

The 80th anniversary of D-Day was celebrated on Thursday, a solemn observance to recognize the soldiers who turned the tables on Axis forces when they stormed the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II. So few of those veterans are still alive today, but several of them still made the trip — and one shared a special moment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The star-studded event included speeches by President Joe Biden, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg were also present. But the real guests of honor were the veterans, and Zelensky was caught on camera expressing a lot of gratitude.

Look at this heartwarming clip of the American D-Day veteran meeting and hugging Zelenskyy:

Veteran: “You’re a savior of the people.”
Zelenskyy: “No, no, YOU saved Europe.”🥹 pic.twitter.com/4nnot0jBmn

— Saint Javelin (@saintjavelin) June 6, 2024

After Zelensky shook the hand of a veteran in a wheelchair, he thanked him for his service as the vet pulled him into a hug. He told Zelensky, “You’re a savior of the people!” Zelensky humbly responded, “No, no, you saved Europe!”

Zelensky kneeled next to the vet and told him, “You are our hero.” As their image was displayed on a big screen before the gathered crowd, the vet told Zelensky, “I pray for you.”