A breathtaking ballroom at the presidential palace hosted over 200 French and American guests on June 8th. The tables, named after picturesque areas of France and the United States, were adorned with splendid bouquets and delicate Sèvres porcelain plates. CEOs, movie stars, diplomats, and more mingled under chandeliers, resembling a transatlantic cruise setting from the 20th century.
The French Army Choir and the French Republican Guard String Orchestra performed, including the well-known “Amazing Grace” in their French-American repertoire. The event marked the end of Joe Biden’s Normandy visit, commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This year’s tributes aimed to recall the fight against Nazi Germany and address new threats to democracy and Western countries.
The White House selected Pointe du Hoc for Biden’s impactful speech, drawing parallels between past heroes and current challenges. Images of Biden against the azure sky would be perfect for campaign clips. His vow to never let down the legacy of heroes resonated deeply.