France Honors US With Roses On D-Day Anniversary

On the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the turning point in World War II when 100,000 Allied troops stormed the shores of Normandy, France to bring an end to Adolf Hitler's expanding grip on Europe, the French said 'thank you' by dropping one million rose petals on Liberty Island.

The French Will Never Forget organization orchestrated the event which began with an opening ceremony at 11 a.m. followed by the petal drop by two helicopters at Noon. The event concluded at 1 p.m.

130 school children from both countries unfurled the American and French flags during the ceremony and sang their nation's anthems.There was also a 21-gun salute to honor veterans of WW II.

The Statue of Liberty holds significance for the United States and France as the massive structure was a gift from the French. It's arrival in New York Harbor was supposed to mark the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence but it was late in arriving. Lady Liberty was later dedicated in 1886.

The French and American allegiance dates back to the American Revolution when the French Navy came in to aid the soldiers battling the British Empire.