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Matt Damon Narrates "In The Company of Heroes" Honoring Veterans

The 22-minute piece honors the American men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives 80 years ago -- June 6, 1944 -- during World War II’s Normandy landings on D-Day.

In the Company of Heroes

November 11, 2024

Oscar winner Matt Damon narrates In the Company of Heroes, a 22-minute feature honoring the American men and women who risked and sacrificed their lives 80 years ago -- June 6, 1944 -- during World War II’s Normandy landings on D-Day. The piece documents surviving veterans of D-Day and World War II at large and their 2023 return to the beaches of Normandy, where they reminisce on the unprecedented operation and are celebrated by the local French citizens of the seaside region. Known as the operation that began the liberation of France and, ultimately, laid the groundwork for the demise of the Axis powers, D-Day is, arguably, one of the most pivotal days in 20th century global history. In these 22 minutes, viewers get access to the soldiers who were on the frontlines of this historic day – and how 80 years later, their heroic actions are still felt around the world and particularly in northern France.

“In the Company of Heroes” aired on NBC during coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and has been viewed by millions of Americans. You can watch a 4 minute clip below and find the full feature on Peacock and YouTube.

“The story of the young American men and women who served so valiantly alongside the other Allied Forces 80 years ago is one that should never be lost to time and history. Thankfully, the special connections formed then – and now – between the American vets and the French people in towns throughout the Normandy region will ensure that the shared sacrifices that changed the course of world history will endure for generations to come.”

— Ron Vaccaro, VP, Editorial at NBC Sports

Preview | In the Company of Heroes

Following are some brief excerpts from In the Company of Heroes:

Edwards on creating the Best Defense Foundation: “After I retired, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. My passion was giving back to all those who served…making sure they’re taken care of. This is my cause. This is my purpose.”

U.S. Army Nurse veteran Betty Huffman-Rosevear (103 years old) on revisiting the Normandy region in 2023: “Going to the (French) schools with the children, they knew who we were. They were smiling and waving at us. It’s just like nothing I’ve ever seen.”

U.S. Army veteran Andy Negra (100 years old) on French villagers’ reaction after landing in Normandy in 2023: “The people were greeting us like you wouldn’t believe. Waving our flags, waving the French flags, wanting to shake our hands. I felt honored.”

Thank you to all who serve and have served, and to all the families and supporters of our military and veterans.  

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