Normandy

Biden meets veterans in Normandy

From CNN's Antoinette Radford and Betsy Klein

President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden met Thursday morning with veterans in Normandy, France at D-Day commemorations.

The president shook hands and took photos with various veterans, many of whom wore their military metals and red poppies.

The red poppy is a mark of remembrance in Europe from the World Wars. It came to be because after the destruction of the world wars, red poppies grew in the fields destroyed by battle.

“You saved the soul of the nation – you really did,” Biden told one of the veterans, whom he met inside a glassed gazebo with American and French flags.

“Give me a hug, God love ya… It’s my honor – my honor,” he told another.

“I have a question – when the Hell do you sleep?” one asked him, to which Biden joked, “When the press isn’t looking.”’

One of the veterans gave Biden a challenge coin in return. “You got one for me! God love ya, I’m a collector.”

“Keep the faith, man,” Biden said to another veteran, who told him he’s having a birthday this Saturday. Biden led a rendition of “Happy Birthday” as he offered his thanks. 

“God-willing, we’ll see you at the 110th anniversary,” Biden said, saluting another.