At the setting of the sun we will remember them

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[h=1]At the setting of the sun we will remember them: Solemn D-Day commemorations conclude with spectacular fireworks display as Obama, European heads of state and Britain's royal family pay tribute to heroic troops[/h]

• World leaders and veterans gathered by the beaches of Normandy on Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day
• Emotional scenes as U.S. World War II Veterans attended ceremonies at the signal monument in Sainte-Mere-Eglise
• Another ceremony was held at Utah beach - where American troops suffered the heaviest losses on D-Day
  
• Wreaths, parades, parachute-landings and fireworks were staged in honor of the assault on June 6, 1944
  
• In New York, three helicopters showered the Statue of Liberty with one million rose petals to mark the occasion
  
• 160,000 U.S., British and Canadian troops waded ashore to confront Nazi Germany's forces, hastening its defeat
• French President Francois Hollande hosted U.S. President Barack Obama, Britain's David Cameron, Canada's Stephen Harper, Germany's Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin of Russia
• They were pictured together ahead of a state leaders' lunch - but Obama and Putin kept their distance
  
• President Obama said in a speech that 'the tide was turned in that common struggle for freedom' on D-Day

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It was a day of pride, remembrance and honors for those who waded through blood-tinged waves, climbed razor-sharp cliffs or fell from the skies, staring down death or dying in an invasion that portended the fall of the Third Reich and the end of World War II.
After 70 years, a dwindling number of veterans, civilian survivors of the brutal battle for Normandy, and 19 world leaders and monarchs celebrated on Friday the sacrifices of D-Day, an assault never matched for its size, planning and derring-do.
Addressing a crowd of dignitaries and veterans, President Barack Obama spoke of the D-Day legacy and the heroism of those who fought, bled and died for a great cause.

The Duke of Cambridge made a speech during an memorial event in Arromanches-les-Bains - paying tribute to those who gave their lives 70 years ago today, while Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, attended a tea party held to honor veterans.

The solemn commemoration concluded with an impressive firework display in front of world leaders at Sword Beach in Ouistreham.


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Spectacular sight: People perform as fireworks burst in the sky during the international D-Day commemoration ceremony on the beach of Ouistreham, Normandy, marking the 70th anniversary of the World War II Allied landings in Normandy

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All smiles: The Duchess appeared to be enjoying her time at the event in Arromanches, north west France- laughing and chatting to one veteran to her left

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Royalty: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among a select group of dignitaries from around the world on hand for the memorial events

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Personal moment: President Obama closes his eyes as he remembers American soldiers killed on the beaches. Veterans behind him salute their fallen colleagues

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Excited: A female decorated war veteran appeared thrilled to meet President Obama face to face at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer

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Greatest generation: WWII veterans salute during the playing of Taps at a ceremony with President Obama at the Normandy American Cemetery

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Hallowed ground: Michel Colas (center) shows his grandsons Samuel Colas (left) and Rafael Schneider (right) the Normandy American Cemetery before the start of an official event



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Symbol of freedom: An honor guard walks past the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor June 6, 2014. The guard was part of an event organized by the organization The French Will Never Forget to mark the 70th anniversary of World War Two's D-Day landings

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Make it rain: A helicopter showers the Statue of Liberty with rose petals during an event marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion in New York

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Old guard: French war veteran Pierre Martinez, right, a member of a color guard, carries his flag at the Statue of Liberty

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Hometown memorial: D-Day veteran John Kessler tears up during the playing of Amazing Grace during the 70th anniversary observance of D-Day, on Friday in Bedford, Virginia


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Obama and Hollande look out over Omaha Beach as they participate in the 70th French-American Commemoration D-Day Ceremony

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Moving: Obama described D-Day's violent scene in vivid terms, recalling that 'by daybreak, blood soaked the water' and 'thousands of rounds bit into flesh and sand'

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President Barack Obama acknowledges veterans as he speaks at Normandy American Cemetery

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Overwhelmed: Obama, who paid tribute to his own soldier grandfather in his speech, puts his hand to his face in the ceremony

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Missed: Obama paid tribute to his grandfather, Stanley Armour Dunham, who supported the air force after D-Day. They are pictured together right in an undated photo

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Obama and Hollande place a wreath at the Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach




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Kidding around: President Obama has a laugh with Queen Maxima of e Netherlands at the international D-Day commemoration ceremony in Ouistreham, France

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Selfie: Obama poses for a picture with a WWII veterans during a ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery

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Serious subject: Obama reassured veterans that their legacy was in good hands

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Top diplomat: Secretary of State John Kerry seemed to be in a fine mood while attended a ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery

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Strange bedfellows: French President Francois Hollande embraces German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the international D-Day commemoration ceremony in Ouistreham, France

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From Russia with love: French President Francois Hollande (right) chats with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the international D-Day commemoration ceremony in Ouistreham


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Found: Veteran Bernard Jordan has been found in Normandy after traveling to France to mark the anniversary of D-Day. Above, the 89-year-old is pictured now (left) and during his time as a member of the Royal Navy (right)

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Journey: Mr Jordan (center) pictured onboard a ferry to France with a cabin crew and members of the Candy Girls entertainment troupe


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Obama pictured making his speech at the Normandy American Cemetery as veterans look on

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U.S. President Barack Obama, centre and French President Francois Hollande stand, during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner, at Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach as he participates in the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Colleville sur Mer

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Fornation: President Obama and President Hollande look up as three fighter jets speed over the American cemetery in Normandy where 9,5000 US troops are buried

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Heading home: Obama boards Air Force One in Caen, France, after attending the 70th Commemoration D-Day Ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer




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Gathering: State leaders gather for lunch on Friday at Chateau De Benouville on Friday. Obama and Putin, who have not yet met on the trip, are both in attendance

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Together: Only Queen Elizabeth, French President Francois Hollande and Queen Margrethe of Denmark separated Obama and Putin in the group photo

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Standing out: Red light reflected from the carpet illuminates the Russian president as he passes Obama and other world leaders on Friday

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Helping hand: Putin stands to the side as Obama and New Zealand's Governor-General Jerry Mateparae guide Queen Elizabeth to her position for the group photo

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Catching up: Obama smiles as he chats with the Queen ahead of the photo for world leaders at Chateau de Benouville on Friday

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Keeping their distance: Obama, second right, walks with Queen Elizabeth as Putin, left, walks with Hollande as they head towards the state leaders' lunch





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Address: Obama and Putin were placed just seats apart at the lunch. White House officials confirmed that the two men did speak for 10 to 15 minutes

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Meeting: Putin is pictured in his first meeting with Ukraine president-elect Petro Poroshenko since the election. They chatted with Germany's Angela Merkel

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Greetings: Children escort President Obama after he arrives to attend the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, on Sword beach, on Friday afternoon

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Paying tribute: After the lunch, the world leaders attended an international D-Day commemoration ceremony on the beach of Ouistreham in Normandy

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Arrival: Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with D-Day veterans alongside French President Francois Hollande during the Ouistreham International Ceremony

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Chums: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall laugh with Obama during the ceremony at Sword Beach in Ouistreham on Friday afternoon

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Having a laugh: The two men share a joke ahead of a commemoration speech by France's President Hollande on Friday afternoon

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Comber: Ukraine's President-elect Petro Proshenko walks past Putin at the ceremony in Ouistreham, as Putin fails to look at him

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Side-by-side: Obama and Putin are shown on a split screen as they take their seats at celebrations for the 70th anniversary of D-Day at Sword Beach in Ouistreham





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Ceremony: Artists perform during the international D-Day commemoration ceremony, including fireworks, in Ouistreham as the world leaders look on

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Stunning: Alpha jets, part of the Patrouille Acrobatique de France, leave trails of smoke in the colors of the French flag during the event

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Spectacle: The French Acrobatic Patrol Alpha Jets perform a flypast over Sword Beach to mark the end of the Commemoration of the anniversary

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Spectacle: Artists perform on the beach of Ouistreham in front of an image of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin

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Celebration: French military personnel march during a service of remembrance in Ouistreham, Normandy on Friday as leaders look on



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Ceremony: Artists perform during the international D-Day commemoration ceremony, including fireworks, in Ouistreham as the world leaders look on

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Stunning: Alpha jets, part of the Patrouille Acrobatique de France, leave trails of smoke in the colors of the French flag during the event

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Spectacle: The French Acrobatic Patrol Alpha Jets perform a flypast over Sword Beach to mark the end of the Commemoration of the anniversary

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Spectacle: Artists perform on the beach of Ouistreham in front of an image of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and Joseph Stalin

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Celebration: French military personnel march during a service of remembrance in Ouistreham, Normandy on Friday as leaders look on



Following the lunch, they moved onto celebrations at Sword Beach in Ouistreham - where Putin refused to make eye contact with Poroshenko as he passed.
'I want, in the name of France, to salute those who are present here today,' President Hollande said. 'Thank you. Thank you for being there in 1944. Thank you for still being here... You will always be here, your spirit, on these beaches.'

Obama's speech at the morning ceremony came after he met privately with seven of the dwindling number of surviving troops who fought Adolf Hitler's Third Reich, along with seven members of the military who have served since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

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On his way: An Osprey accompanies Marine One carrying Obama over the beaches of Normandy to the ceremony in Colleville-sur-Mer

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Hand on heart: A former US soldier raises his hand during the French and American national anthems alongside the Presidents from each country

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Sharing a joke: Obama and French President Francois Hollande sit on stage with veterans at Normandy American Cemetery at Omaha Beach

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Proud: A World War II US veteran waves at his family in the audience during the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary in Colleville

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Obama shakes hands with a WWII veteran next to President Hollande after making his speech

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Remembered: Floral tributes and wooden crosses bedeck the central epitaph in Bayeux Cemetery following a service of remembrance on Friday





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French President Francois Hollande (left) shakes hands with President Barack Obama during the commemoration ceremony

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Reunion: Obama and Hollande smile next to World War II veteran Kenneth 'Rock' Merritt as they arrive for the official lunch at Benouville Castle

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Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande arrive at the Normandy American Cemetery

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US President Barack Obama (R) and French President Francois Hollande (L) stand during a joint French-US D-Day commemoration ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-mer

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, arrive to attend a bi-national France-UK D-Day commemoration ceremony at the British War Cemetery of Bayeux

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth pays her respects after laying a wreath during the French-British ceremony at the British War cemetery in Bayeux

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US presidential helicopter Marine One transporting US President Barack Obama arrives at a joint French-US D-Day commemoration ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-mer, Normandy

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Poignant: An American flag is placed in the sand of Omaha Beach, western France

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Key victory: Fireworks are launched to mark the moment that Pegasus Bridge was captured by British troops on June 6

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Emotional: A reenactment enthusiast, dressed in the uniforms that would have been worn by American soldiers, wipes a tear from his eye as he remembers those lost on the beaches

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The fly-past before the Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, Bayeux





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Tribute: A helicopter drops rose petals over the statue of liberty during the Commemorating 70th Anniversary Of D-Day on June 06, 2014 in New York City

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Remembrance: Three helicopters have showered 1 million rose petals on the Statue during a event organized by the organization The French Will Never Forget to mark the 70th anniversary of World War II D-Day landings

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Stunning: Rose petals drops over the statue of liberty during the commemoration

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Shower: Petals are seen falling from one of the helicopters

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Celebration: Crowds below are sen photographing the rose petals and trying to grab them

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French war veteran Pierre Martinez, right, a member of a color guard, carries his flag at the Statue of Liberty after the event

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A young boy salutes as he marches with a color guard behind the Statue of Liberty

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Allies: Sailors from the French frigate La Fayette are seen standing behind the statue



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Marines were also in attendance at the event on Friday

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Members French Navy frigate La Fayette pauses during the ceremony

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A group of Marines fire their arms as part of the commemorative ceremony

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Children present flags from the United States and France



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Members of the First Company Governor's Foot Guard Band are seen performing

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A New York City fireboat sprays colored water into the New York Harbor on Friday

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Rose petals are seen on the grass next to the statue of liberty

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Colored smoke fills the sky as WWII veterans stand to attention flanked by children during an international D-Day commemoration ceremony on the beach of Ouistreham, Normandy, on Friday

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United Nations: (L-R) Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, U.S. President Barack Obama, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, President of Slovakia Ivan Gasparovic, King Harald V of Norway , Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg and President of Greece Karolos Papoulias attend the International Ceremony at Sword Beach to commemorate the D-Day invasion

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Flying high: Alpha jets, part of the Patrouille Acrobatique de France, leave trails of smoke in the colors of the French flag during an international D-Day commemoration ceremony on the beach of Ouistreham, Normandy on Friday




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Warm: The Duchess of Cambridge beams as she chats to a veteran at a tea party in Arromanches

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Charming: The delighted veterans appeared to enjoy their cup of tea with a very smiley Duchess of Cambridge

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All smiles: During their visit, the royal couple enjoyed a cup of tea with some of the brave men who fought

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Glamorous: The Duchess arrived with Prince William clutching a bouquet of white and pale pink flowers



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Friendly chat: The Duchess enjoyed her chat with the veterans before travelling on to Gold Beach

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Enjoying the day: The Duchess of Cambridge beams as she chats to veterans and their familes in Arromanches


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Haunting: The royal couple look out over Gold Beach where more than 400 British soldiers died

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Historic: Men from the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division stormed Gold Beach on D-Day

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Simple: During the day, Kate showed off her hairstyle - with her sleek hair tied in a simple knot





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Hymn: The royal couple sang a collection of songs during a ceremony on Gold Beach

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Mistake? At one point Prince William covered his face with his hand in what appeared to be embarrassment

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Respectful: Kate smiled during the afternoon ceremony held metres from the veteran's tea

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Involved: The Duchess read through an order of ceremonies during the service

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Chic: Kate looked both stylish and respectful as she sat on the front row for the memorial event



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