Obama commemorates D-Day

President Obama marked the 65th anniversary of D-Day today with a speech at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Among the attendees were Nicolas Sarkozy, Gordon Brown, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Prince Charles.

Obama emphasized the importance of that single battle in shaping the 20th century.

“It was unknowable then, but so much of the progress that would define the twentieth century, on both sides of the Atlantic, came down to the battle for a slice of beach only six miles long and two miles wide,” Obama said.

After the speech, the President as well as foreign leaders mingled with veterans, thanking them for their service.

Bob Dole, who was awawrded two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service in World War II, was a special guest of the President. Tom Hanks, who directed the epic film Saving Private Ryan, also attended.