WASHINGTON — A contingent of U.S. lawmakers from the House of Representatives made a commemorative parachute jump Friday at Normandy marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the historic assault that launched the end of World War II.
Organized by Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., and Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., the bipartisan group included 10 congressmen, all veterans, making the trek to France to honor and pay tribute to the U.S. and Allied troops at a defining moment at home and abroad.
Waltz said that in this era of political acrimony and infighting, he believes it’s important for Americans to see their representatives in Congress “coming together” to honor the veterans.
“I think to really do something that is notable that, you know, maybe young people will pay attention to and go, Wow, that’s exciting and cool — to kind of pass on their legacy — is worthwhile,” said the congressman, a former Army officer and Green Beret.
Crow, who served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division and 75th Ranger Regiment, and Waltz made a similar jump for the 75th anniversary. But more colleagues wanted to join this year, eager to mark the milestone in what may be a last opportunity to honor the aging veterans who served in World War II.
“Making the same jump those units did 80 years ago is an important way to honor those veterans and remember that America is at its best when we put aside self-interest,” said Crow, “and do great things for the betterment of our country, just like the Greatest Generation did decades ago.”
Afterward, they shared photos and videos of their jumps and landings on a picturesque day near Mont-Saint-Michel. “Honoring our forefathers,” Waltz said, flashing a thumbs-up.
The group of lawmakers is coming together at a time when Congress has struggled to keep up with the basics of governing, fractured by political divisions at home and ongoing debate over the U.S. role in the world amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war.
Those making the jump include a new generation of military veterans in Congress from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
