Events in France marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy took an unexpected turn today when US President Joe Biden appeared disoriented and required assistance from French President Emmanuel Macron.
The commemoration in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, where US forces suffered substantial losses on June 6, 1944, saw leaders from around the world gather to honour the largest sea invasion in history.
As Biden and Macron walked out on stage together, Macron closely guided the American president. While Macron stopped to greet other attendees, Biden seemed confused, looking left and right as if unsure of his surroundings.
At one point, Macron looked over and gave Biden a thumbs up, seemingly concerned about his counterpart’s state.
Throughout the national anthems of both France and the United States, which played back-to-back, Macron kept a watchful eye on Biden, who took off his sunglasses and adopted a more composed demeanor.
The scene was a stark contrast to the gravity of the occasion, where leaders came together to pay tribute to the Allied troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Canada who landed on five beaches along the German-occupied French coastline on June 6, 1944.
This monumental operation laid the foundations for the Allied defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Despite the unexpected moment, the ceremony continued with reverence for the sacrifices made by the soldiers 80 years ago.
This is not the first time Biden’s appearance has sparked cocnerns aobut his mental wellbeing.
In May, the 81-year-old sparked concern when he appeared “confused” and “shuffled” down the steps of Air Force One in Atlanta.
Captured on video, Biden was seen taking a few steps out of the plane before looking around and shrugging. He then carried on down the ramp before supposedly ignoring questions from reporters.
Biden has also repeatedly made gaffes during important speeches, such as seemingly losing his train of thought jsut weeks ago while speaking at the United States Military Academy in New York.