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WWII vet from Hawaii returns to Europe for D-Day anniversary

John Gleeson, a World War II veteran, is the sole representative from Hawaii who embarked on a poignant journey back to Europe to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Gleeson, who flew combat missions during the war with the famed 8th Air Force, joined over 70 other distinguished WWII veterans on an American Airlines sponsored trip bound for Normandy, France.

By Jamm Aquino

May 29, 2024

Hawaii Photos

1/17
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John Gleeson arrives in a van on Wednesday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The World War II veteran is the sole representative from Hawaii who embarked on a poignant journey back to Europe to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Gleeson, who flew combat missions during the war with the famed 8th Air Force, joined over 70 other distinguished WWII veterans on an American Airlines sponsored trip bound for Normandy, France.
2/17
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John Gleeson, front, greets well wishers upon his arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
3/17
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John Gleeson, second from left, greets well wishers upon his arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
4/17
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John Gleeson, right, reacts upon his arrival on Wednesday at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
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John Gleeson, right, accompanied by Tracie Hunter, president of Beyond the Call, arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
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John Gleeson, right, accompanied by Tracie Hunter, president of Beyond the Call, arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
7/17
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John Gleeson, right, shakes hands with longtime friend Hank Bruckner, left, upon arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
8/17
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John Gleeson, middle, accompanied by Tracie Hunter, left, president of Beyond the Call, arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
9/17
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John Gleeson embraces well wishers upon his arrival at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
10/17
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John Gleeson walks past a Color Guard as he arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
11/17
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John Gleeson walks past a Color Guard as he arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
12/17
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Clint Churchill, right, former commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard, presents a personalized bomber jacket to John Gleeson.
13/17
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Clint Churchill, left, former commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard, shares a flight memory with John Gleeson.
14/17
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Clint Churchill, right, former commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard, presents a personalized bomber jacket to John Gleeson.
15/17
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John Gleeson, right, embraces Tracie Hunter, president of Beyond the Call, at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
16/17
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John Gleeson, left, enjoys the company of dozens of friends and well wishers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
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John Gleeson, middle, shares a laugh with friends at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Wednesday.
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