Robert Persichitti, World War II veteran dies en route to D-Day commemorations
D-Day
Robert Persichitti, an American World War II veteran died while he was travelling to France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The 102-year-old had witnessed the raising of the US flag at Iwo Jima.
The war veteran flew overseas along with his guardian and was sailing on a ship down the coast to France when the emergency occurred. On Thursday (Jun 6), French President Emmanuel Macron led a ceremony with world leaders, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the liberation of western Europe from Nazi Germany's occupation.
According to a veterans organisation, Persichitti of Fairport, NY, suffered a medical emergency and was airlifted to Germany but died shortly thereafter on May 31. In a Facebook post, Honor Flight organisation revealed details without specifying the nature of the emergency. The social media post cited veterans who were travelling with him.
Persichitti was named to the New York State Senate's Veterans Hall of Fame in 2020, which includes a biography that said he served in the Navy during WWII as a radioman aboard the command ship USS Eldorado.
"His tour of duty included the Pacific Theater, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Guam," the biography said.
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Around 180 veterans in their late 90s or even over 100 attended the D-Day commemorations in Normandy on Thursday.
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D-Day commemoration
Several leaders including, US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, were gathered in France for the D-Day commemoration. Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy was also there and received a warm embrace from a veteran.
The veteran shared an emotional moment with the Ukrainian president, kissing his hand and telling him he was the 'saviour of the people'. Zelensky kneeled to be at the same level as the veteran who was in a wheelchair as they exchanged a few words.
"This event and day serve as a reminder of the courage and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. Allies defended Europe's freedom then, and Ukrainians do so now. Unity prevailed then, and true unity can prevail today," Zelensky said in a post on X, announcing his arrival in France.
(With inputs from agencies)