A group of American senators will remember the bravery of World War II soldiers who participated in D-Day with a parachute jump into Normandy on Friday morning, using some of the same vintage planes that flew American paratroopers into France 80 years ago.
The politicians, all military veterans, will be led by Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Michael Waltz (R-Florida). Representatives Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, Rich McCormick, R-Ga., Mark Green, R-Tenn., and Cory Mills, R-Fla., as well as Darrell Issa, R-Calif., are all joining the jump.
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Crow, an Army Ranger who served in two battalions that played major parts in the Normandy invasion, told ABC News’ Jay O’Brien that the ceremonial jump “is about recognizing service and sacrifice,” as well as recalling that “America is at its best when we come together, unite under common cause and purpose.”
“We serve and make individual sacrifices to do big and important things,” Crow said in a Washington interview just before departing for France. “And in an era where we’re wondering about our place in the world and about American leadership, this is a reminder that American leadership matters.”
Waltz described the jump as a means to commemorate and respect World War II heroes and their sacrifices.
“This will be the last significant anniversary for World War II veterans. The youngest we know of is 96. The oldest is 107. “We need to honor them and keep their story and sacrifice alive,” Waltz stated. “What better way to pass that story on to the next generation than by jumping out of a perfectly good World War II-era aircraft?”
Waltz, the first Green Beret to serve in Congress, stated that the “American people need to see” lawmakers from both parties work together and that electing more veterans to Congress will benefit the country.
“If we’re all in a tank or a ship or a plane together just a few years ago, as veterans, as Americans, we’re all willing to die together and we should be able to roll up our sleeves and get things done,” Waltz stated.
Five years ago, Crow and Waltz participated in a parachute leap over Normandy with French paratroopers to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
“There’s no better way to get you out of the airplane than to be in an 80-year-old aircraft,” said Crow. “It kind of creeps me out. But these pilots are excellent. The maintenance is excellent.” It’s a very safe exercise.”
The first thing you notice while jumping “is that it’s beautiful,” Waltz said of the French landscape.
“Second, you’re really close to the ground.”
