Virginie Durr of Delta Air Lines Awarded French Legion of Honor for Pioneering the Normandy Legacy Flight
In a moving ceremony held at the Delta Flight Museum this week, Virginie Durr, Delta’s Enterprise Sales Manager and proud native of Normandy, was awarded the French Legion of Honor — the highest recognition bestowed by the French government — in recognition of her leadership in launching and growing the Normandy Legacy Flight. This groundbreaking initiative has, for the past four years, brought World War II veterans back to the shores of Normandy, France, to honor their service and sacrifice in the pivotal D-Day invasion that helped change the course of history.
The award ceremony, held in the heart of Delta’s history at its museum in Atlanta, was attended by an emotional and proud audience that included Virginie’s family, close friends, Delta colleagues, fellow members of the French Foreign Trade Advisors, WWII veterans, and key partners of the Normandy Legacy Flight, such as Michelin and the Best Defense Foundation. It was a fitting location for a tribute to a woman whose vision has not only reconnected veterans with their past, but also inspired a new generation to remember, learn from, and act upon the lessons of history.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Heart
Virginie’s journey to this moment began not in a boardroom or through a formal corporate initiative, but in deeply personal childhood memories. Raised in Normandy, she recalls walking along the beaches of her hometown with her grandmother — beaches where Allied forces landed in 1944 during Operation Overlord. But her grandmother never spoke of war in terms of violence or destruction. Instead, she told stories of kindness, bravery, and sacrifice. Those recollections left an indelible mark on Virginie’s heart.
“She didn’t speak of battles — she spoke of kindness and sacrifice,” Virginie said during her speech at the ceremony. “That memory never left me.”
Years later, during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Virginie watched a documentary titled The Girl Who Wore Freedom, which tells the stories of French civilians who still remember — and revere — the American soldiers who liberated them during WWII. The film was a turning point. It sparked a realization that the window to honor the living members of the Greatest Generation was rapidly closing. Inspired by the film, and driven by her personal connection to Normandy, Virginie recognized an opportunity to merge her heritage with Delta’s values of service and humanity.
“The film became a catalyst — an urgent call to honor the Greatest Generation while we still could,” she said.
That call to action transformed into what is now the Normandy Legacy Flight — a program that charters a Delta flight from Atlanta directly to Deauville, France, returning WWII veterans to the very beaches where they once fought for freedom.
Making the Impossible Possible
Launching a project of this scale and complexity wasn’t easy. It required more than logistics — it demanded passion, creativity, leadership, and relentless perseverance. Virginie reached out to partners like Michelin and the Best Defense Foundation, forged internal alliances within Delta, and brought together a cross-functional team united by a shared mission: to give back to those who gave everything.
In 2022, the first Normandy Legacy Flight became a reality. Since then, the program has expanded and strengthened, with flights in 2023, 2024, and 2025 returning more veterans to France — and bringing with them the powerful presence of living history. These trips aren’t just symbolic; they include week-long commemorative events, personal engagements with local communities in Normandy, and moments of profound remembrance and gratitude.
Delta remains the only U.S. passenger airline to have flown directly to Normandy.
“Normandy shows the world what remembrance looks like when it’s lived, not just commemorated,” Virginie said. “Its people make it not just a place of history, but a place of heart. I couldn’t be prouder to be a Normandy native.”
Honored by France and Celebrated by Delta
At the ceremony, Virginie was presented with the Legion of Honor by the Ambassador of France to the United States, Philippe Étienne, who highlighted her tireless efforts, calling them vital to the success of the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in 2024 — a momentous and emotional year that marked eight decades since the Allied invasion.
“Dear Virginie, you are one of the people who made those commemorations possible through your tireless efforts and profound dedication,” he said. “I’m here to express the gratitude of the French nation to you. But also, to a great American company, Delta Air Lines — its leadership and employees — and your partners in this endeavor, notably the Best Defense Foundation and Michelin.”
Delta CEO Ed Bastian also addressed the crowd with heartfelt admiration.
“As we celebrate our Centennial, we’ve made important milestones throughout the year to celebrate all the people and opportunities that gave rise to our success,” he said. “And Virginie, you’re right there at the top of that list.”
Veterans, Heroes, and a Shared Legacy
Virginie dedicated a significant part of her acceptance speech to six WWII veterans she referred to as “superheroes” — Aubrey Blackwell, Arlester Brown, Wally King, Hilbert Margol, Andy Negra, and Harold Terens — who were present at the event. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the program’s true purpose: to honor those who risked everything for freedom.
“To all of my 100,000 colleagues at Delta… you have my heartfelt gratitude,” she said. “I share this honor with every one of you. Your pride and heart make this mission possible and unforgettable. You understand that this is much more than a flight — it’s a tribute.”
More Than a Flight: A Living, Year-Round Mission
The Normandy Legacy Flight is more than a single annual journey — it’s a year-round mission driven by connection, education, and service.
- Veteran Connections: Virginie personally stays in touch with every veteran who has traveled on the Normandy flight. Through the Global Sales Community Ambassador program she launched, each veteran is paired with a Delta employee who remains a point of contact throughout the year. In collaboration with GrandPad, each veteran also receives a tablet to stay digitally connected with their Delta family.
- Purpose-Driven Partnerships: Virginie’s leadership has sparked generosity across the Delta network. Aviramp donated a custom ramp to ensure accessible deplaning at Deauville Airport. Delta flight attendants raised funds to create custom medals to honor the veterans. And with help from organizations like the Freedom Prize and Best Defense Foundation Next Gen Program, students from the U.S., Brazil, and Europe have had the chance to travel to Normandy and hear firsthand the stories of sacrifice and courage.
- Educational Legacy: The initiative has evolved into a platform for education and remembrance. By integrating student participation, storytelling, and global outreach, the Normandy Legacy Flight now stands as an educational beacon — ensuring that the lessons and legacy of WWII are not lost, but passed on with pride and purpose.
Virginie Durr’s leadership, grounded in personal history and powered by professional commitment, has created something truly exceptional — a bridge between generations, nations, and memories. Her work reminds us that history is not just about dates and facts, but about people, compassion, and the choices we make to honor those who came before us.
The French Legion of Honor is not just a recognition of past achievements — it is a symbol of lasting impact. Through the Normandy Legacy Flight, Virginie has redefined what corporate purpose can look like and shown how one person’s vision can spark a movement of gratitude and remembrance.
Her story is a powerful reminder that service, when led by heart and heritage, can truly change the world — one flight at a time.