June 6 marked 80 years since the Invasion of Normandy. To commemorate the largest land, sea, and air invasion ever attempted, people from all around the world gathered in France. This event included a ceremony that took place at the Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach. This is where many causalities took place during that infamous battle. Many world leaders and actors showed up to honor those who served on D-Day, including the beloved Tom Hanks.
The actor is known for many iconic films. But the one in the forefront of everyone’s minds that day was Saving Private Ryan. The film famously starts with a depiction of the Allies’ first landing on Omaha Beach. It’s no wonder, then, that so many veterans not only recognized Hanks, but found themselves at a loss for words when they spotted him.
@walkamongheroes What an amazing greeting by Tom Hanks upon our arrival to the Normandy American Cemetery for the 80th Anniversary commemoration of D-Day. Howdy, Mr. Hanks. #dday #NormandyTrip #WW2History #NormandyInvasion #DdayAnniversary #WW2Travel #NormandyBeaches #DdayLandings #WW2Normandy #NormandyTour #DdayMemorial #WW2Sites #NormandyHistory #Dday75 #WW2Traveler #NormandyBattlefields #DdayTour #WW2Remembrance #NormandyExperience #DdayHistory #omahabeach #dday79 #britishhero #britishveteran #WWIIBritishArmy #BandofBrothers #N4OH #walkamongheroes #greatestgeneration #dday80 ♬ original sound – walkamongheroes
In the above video, Hanks can be seen politely introducing himself to two men who fought on D-Day. They seem a bit at a loss for words, but Hanks doesn’t fail to make their interaction oh-so special. You can tell he really helped them feel seen on such a somber day.
In addition to chatting with veterans, Hanks gave a speech. He notes that films like Saving Private Ryan help document important moments in history, and that it is “a document that has to accurately reflect the tenor of that day,” adding, “And I’d like to think that we did.”
Tom Hanks Chats With Veterans During 80th Anniversary Commemoration of D-Day
“Saving Private Ryan and the beach invasion scene is probably the most realistic reenactment of D-Day and Omaha beach,” one person shares in the comments of the above video.
“Tom Hanks is legendary,” another person writes, “not only for his acting abilities but for his respect and class to everyone he meets.”
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