A legacy lives on: How the next generation honors the heroes who came before

Delta is proud to continue its Normandy Legacy Flight, supporting the program that flies World War II veterans and students back to Normandy, France to commemorate the anniversary of D-Day.

Staff Writer

Jun 6, 2025 4:30pm

Walking side by side on Omaha Beach 81 years after the infamous D-Day invasion, 19-year-old college student Caleb Walker and 101-year-old WWII veteran Jack Myers reflect on the heroes who left their entire world behind to save everyone else’s. As a member of the Best Defense Foundation’s 2025 NextGen initiative, Caleb, along with 13 other college-age students, has had the unique opportunity to spend time in Normandy with over 20 WWII veterans, hearing their stories and learning about their experiences.

When asked how he plans to carry their legacy through the next generation so we may never forget the sacrifices that were made, Caleb said, “This program is the foundation that is allowing us to forever carry the stories we learn while we are here. Because the true journey begins when we all go back to our homes and schools where we will now share this legacy with our friends and family."

Standing amongst the world’s heroes while visiting the towns they once liberated is a humbling experience for these students. To know that the celebrated men and women who are looking out upon the gathering crowds of thankful locals and tourists were once the same age they are today, but were living in a vastly different world, is a feeling that nearly falls short of words.

As they continued their travels through the region, the NextGen students had the opportunity to visit Lycée Victor Hugo school with the veterans where they sat in classrooms alongside French school children who asked the veterans questions about their experience in the war.

Kicking off the day, Julianna McClary, a 19-year-old student from Montana State University, shared her personal connection to the war’s history. Her grandfather, a WWII veteran who fought in France, left behind an incredible legacy and values that she has promised to protect for the future generations. “Our duty is to make sure that their light never dims,” said Julianna in a speech delivered at the local high school.

During this visit, many veterans also shared about their time during the war and implored the students to never forget the stories they heard about a time when ordinary people were asked to do the most extraordinary things. “It’s important to be here and we should never forget,” said veteran Jack Myers.

Following their school visit, the veterans were then celebrated at the Freedom Prize ceremony where young people ages 15 to 25 from France and around the world choose an inspiring person or organization to be recognized. In addition to the NextGen students, the region of Normandy hosted 5 students from Atlanta’s local Dutchtown Highschool and 5 students from Atlanta International School to learn more about the history of Normandy and the impact of WWII throughout the world. During the ceremony, these students were highlighted for their passion of ensuring the sacrifices of those who came before are remembered.

“We have to continue telling their stories,” said NextGen student Tierney Connors. “Since being here in Normandy I’ve been taking photos and sharing our experiences to remind those back home that our veterans are still here and that they deserve to be honored.”

In making connections with the veterans, relationships that will be sure to last, these students now have the opportunity to carry their memory forward for decades to come. While our time with the Greatest Generation may be limited, their stories are endless, and their legacy will continue to be lifted for generations and generations to come.

As Bob Somers, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales, told the veterans, “We will all continue to tell your stories for as long as we can. Thank you for everything.”