Second World War veterans mark D-Day anniversary in Normandy

A Second World War re-enactor pays tribute to soldiers during a D-Day commemoration ceremony of the 78th anniversary for those who helped end the Second World War, in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, Normandy, France (Jeremias Gonzalez/Ap)

When D-Day veterans set foot on the Normandy beaches and other Second World War sites, they express a mix of joy and sadness.

Joy at seeing the gratitude and friendliness of the French towards those who landed on June 6 1944; sadness as they think of their fallen comrades and of another battle now being waged in Europe: the war in Ukraine.