![You saved the world](https://cdn.magzter.com/1583503328/1717718753/articles/n7xE8HI9j1717732852524/YOU-SAVED-THE-WORLD.jpg)
D-DAY veterans were yesterday thanked for "saving the world" 80 years ago in one of history's bloodiest battles.
On the anniversary of the invasion that freed western Europe from the Nazis, the King and Queen stood side-by-side with the dwindling band of heroes and shared their tears.
For many of the 41 British fighters who attended yesterday's service it will be the final time.
Leaders from around the world including President Joe Biden and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky had flown in for a number of ceremonies near the landing beaches.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told veterans they had "saved the world". Arriving at the British Normandy Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer the King saluted men who "did not flinch" when faced with the "supreme test".
The veterans the eldest is 103 - rose to their feet to show respect.
But it was their stories that truly deserved respect and which left the royals in tears.
Arthur Oborne, 100, from Portishead, Somerset, told how his friend Walter "Gummy" Gummison saved him after he was shot in the lung.
He said: "He drove me to a field hospital saving my life. The next day my unit was ambushed, shredded, every man was killed.
"I never saw Gummy again.
That day I lost 27 comrades.
"It is all because of Gummy's quick thinking that I can stand before you today.
"I wish I could tell him I have never taken his sacrifice for granted. And will always remember him as our friend. So Gummy, thank you very much."
As they received thanks from French President Emmanuel Macron and PM Rishi Sunak, before his early departure, some men fought private battles with their grief.
One held his head in his hands in an KL The effort not to cry.
This story is from the June 07, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 07, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![ROO EYES PILGRIMS PROGRESS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/473-2Cef71720161552365/ROO-EYES-PILGRIMS-PROGRESS.jpg)
ROO EYES PILGRIMS PROGRESS
Wayne sets out vision for new role at Plymouth
![I'LL BE BACK FOR MURRA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/aZIFh5gnu1720161031592/ILL-BE-BACK-FOR-MURRA.jpg)
I'LL BE BACK FOR MURRA
Andy could return to Wimbledon as coach after doubles defeat
![WHO ARE YA?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/wLh39gCUb1720160866251/WHO-ARE-YA.jpg)
WHO ARE YA?
England captain George brushes off Kiwi mind games
![LANDO CAN HIT THE BULLSEYE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/rBPBBvCdH1720160516167/LANDO-CAN-HIT-THE-BULLSEYE.jpg)
LANDO CAN HIT THE BULLSEYE
Luking good for Norris to arrow in on home-soil win
![Poisoned my dad..then stabbed Mum](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/l-EDf6OJW1720159165029/POISONED-MY-DADTHEN-STABBED-MUM.jpg)
Poisoned my dad..then stabbed Mum
Killer daughter lived alongside her parents' bodies for four years
![DEVASTATION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/Xxxq9RD481720159031096/DEVASTATION.jpg)
DEVASTATION
Navy sends warship as Hurricane Beryl leaves trail of death across Caribbean
![Hospital probe into Prem star's death](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/Sa8VuMAIl1720158918930/HOSPITAL-PROBE-INTO-PREM-STARS-DEATH.jpg)
Hospital probe into Prem star's death
Trust to look at diagnosis care &
![Jay mum: We just may never know..](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/iwj1Srynj1720158770596/JAY-MUM-WE-JUST-MAY-NEVER-KNOW.jpg)
Jay mum: We just may never know..
She hits out amid wild rumours
![Peace talks hope despite missile blitz](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/NS0obf0c31720158646487/PEACE-TALKS-HOPE-DESPITE-MISSILE-BLITZ.jpg)
Peace talks hope despite missile blitz
Israel says negotiations can restart
![Swiss HQ a haven of tranquillity as team prepare for England](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/ElHr3tFf31720158402067/SWISS-HQ-A-HAVEN-OF-TRANQUILLITY-AS-TEAM-PREPARE-FOR-ENGLAND.jpg)
Swiss HQ a haven of tranquillity as team prepare for England
NO police, no security and no helmets. Switzerland's players are superrelaxed ahead of Saturday's Euros clash with England.