U.S. Army paratroopers from various airborne units

U.S. Army paratroopers from various airborne units and British paratroopers from the 4th Parachute Regiment commemorate the 68th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, Merville Battery, France, June 1, 2012. Paratroopers from the Allied nations gather in Normandy each year as a remembrance to the military service members who fought in the effort to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II June 6, 1944. The commemoration, which includes ceremonies for the more than 9,000 service members who gave their lives during the invasion and airborne operations, allows the countries involved to pay homage to those who fell 68 years ago.