In a speech to some 9,000 guests and 200 U.S. D-Day veterans, Obama paid homage to the heroes of D-Day, saying the Allied troops offered inspiration for the "hardships and struggles of our time."
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U.S. first lady Michelle Obama (L) walks with French first lady Carla Bruni Sarkozy during a ceremony at The Prefecture in France, June 6, 2009. |
Obama and his wife Michelle, accompanied by Sarkozy and French First Lady Carla Bruni, went to the American war cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where 9,387 American soldiers were buried. The cemetery overlooks the Omaha Beach, where Allied troops opened a new western front against Nazi Germany with the successful invasion of occupied France.
British Prime Minister Brown, Prince Charles and Canadian Prime Minister Harper joined them at the cemetery.
Obama would spend Saturday night in Paris and is due to fly back to the United States on Sunday.
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U.S. President Barack Obama (front R) and France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (front L) wave as they arrive at the Prefecture of Caen in France, June 6, 2009 |