Delta Air Lines announced on May 22 that it will honor the legacy of service members this Memorial Day by supporting two major initiatives: the premiere of the documentary Why We Dream and preparations for its upcoming Normandy Legacy Flight. The airline said these efforts are meant to ensure that the sacrifices of men and women in uniform are remembered as millions travel during the holiday weekend.
The documentary Why We Dream, produced by Delta’s Window Seat Studios in partnership with Vice Media’s Pulse Films, follows World War II veterans as they return to France for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. It will air on CNN Films on Monday, May 25 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, with a second showing later that evening. The film can also be streamed via the CNN app.
On June 2, Delta will transport 29 World War II veterans—including three featured in Why We Dream—to France for commemorative events marking the anniversary of D-Day. This trip is part of a collaboration between Delta, Best Defense Foundation, and Michelin. Veterans will be joined by caregivers—some who are Delta employees and veterans themselves—as well as students and partners for several remembrance activities. Among those traveling is Alan Kinder from Gainesville, Georgia, who served as an instrument and sound survey technician near front lines after landing at Utah Beach in August 1944.
Kinder will be accompanied by Bryce Ulmer, a Delta TechOps employee and U.S. Air Force veteran whose career has included roles both at Delta since 1990 and within various branches of military service until his retirement in 2017. Ulmer has also been active in company-led initiatives supporting veterans.
The airline said bonds formed during these trips often last beyond the journey itself through programs such as its WWII Veterans Ambassador Program. This initiative pairs employees with past participants from previous Normandy flights to maintain year-round connections using digital tablets provided through partnerships.
Delta Air Lines utilizes a fleet comprising various aircraft models from manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing to support its worldwide routes; it connects more than 350 destinations globally across multiple continents; delivers scheduled passenger and cargo services over an extensive network; operates as a publicly traded entity incorporated in Delaware under U.S. law; functions as a leading global carrier offering planned services for passenger and freight transport; all according to the official website.
As these veterans revisit historic sites like Utah Beach this summer, their stories continue to inspire new generations about service and sacrifice.
