US Veteran Praises Zelenskyy as a Savior during D-Day Ceremony

An American veteran and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared a touching moment at a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion to liberate France during World War II, with each expressing admiration for the other as a hero.

Retired Staff Sgt. Melvin Hurwitz, 99, and other veterans were introduced to foreign dignitaries honoring the Normandy landings on Thursday. Upon meeting Zelenskyy, Hurwitz kissed the Ukrainian leader’s hand and embraced him, proclaiming: “Oh, you’re the savior of the people!”

A smiling Zelenskyy responded: “No, no, no, you … you saved Europe.” The onlooking crowd erupted in applause, and Hurwitz requested a photo with the Ukrainian president, expressing that he prays for him.

The conflict in Ukraine cast a shadow over the anniversary, serving as a somber reminder that war has returned to Europe. Ukraine’s president received a warm reception with a standing ovation and cheers. Russia, a key World War II ally but also the aggressor in a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, was notably absent from the event.

The commemorations for the more than 4,400 Allied soldiers who died on D-Day and the many more casualties, including French civilians, during the Battle of Normandy, were marked by concerns that the lessons of World War II are being forgotten.