Ambassador Killion Commemorates D-Day Anniversary

Ambassador Killion, Senator Kerry and other special guests lay wreaths at the American memorial in Utah Beach. (U.S. Army/Staff Sgt. Felix R. Fimbres image)

Ambassador Killion joined U.S. Senator John Kerry and World War II veterans in commemorating the D-Day landings in Normandy. The D-Day invasion and the Battle for Normandy that ensued changed the course of the war and laid the ground for an Allied victory and, ultimately, for UNESCO.

This year marked the 67^th anniversary of the D-Day landings. A series of multinational events brought together civilians, soldiers and dignitaries to honor those who fought and died in "Operation Overlord". Ambassador Killion participated in ceremonies at the Normandy American Cemetery, the recently restored Pointe du Hoc, and Utah Beach, where he laid a wreath at the foot of the American WWII memorial alongside Senator John Kerry.

UNESCO was born out of the scale and devastation wrought by World War II. The organization was established in 1945 to promote a culture of peace, establish an "intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind," and prevent another world war. It continues to work to bring peoples together and cultivate shared values through cultural, educational, and scientific initiatives.