Gen. Milley, on D-Day's 78th anniversary, tells World War II vets that Ukraine war is about 'honoring' them
Massive crowd gathers to pay tribute at American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, near Omaha Beach
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley told a group of World War II veterans Monday on the 78th anniversary of D-Day that the ongoing war in Ukraine is about "honoring" them as the world has come together "against a determined invader."
Milley made the remark in front of more than 20 veterans and a crowd of several thousand that gathered at the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach, to pay tribute to the fallen U.S. troops in France.
"The world has come together in support of the defense of Ukraine against a determined invader," Milley said, according to the Associated Press. "The fight in Ukraine is about honoring these veterans of World War II."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"Kyiv may be 2,000 kilometers away from here, they too, right now, today, are experiencing the same horrors as the French citizens experienced in World War II," added the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivers his speech during the 78th anniversary of D-Day ceremony, in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial of Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach, on Monday, June 6. (AP/Jeremias Gonzalez)
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Milley also said the war is about "maintaining the so-called global rules-based international order that was established by the dead who are buried here at this cemetery."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Milley recalled the principle underlined in that order that "strong countries cannot just invade small countries.
World War II reenactors put roses and flowers at dawn on Omaha Beach, in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy, France on Monday, June 6. (AP/Jeremias Gonzalez)
"Each country is sovereign and each country has the right to territorial integrity," he said to the crowd.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, is now in its 103rd day.
Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, attends an interview with the Associated Press at the American Cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, overlooking Omaha Beach, on Monday, June 6. (AP/Jeremias Gonzalez)
In late May, Ukrainians signaled overwhelming opposition to giving their land to Russia, with 82% of Ukrainians in a poll saying they do not support territorial concessions as part of any peace deal, even if it meant prolonging the war as a result.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.