World War II veterans travel to Normandy for emotional D-Day commemoration

A group of about two dozen veterans who served in Europe and the Pacific traveled back to the once bloody beaches of Normandy, the Associated Press reported. 

The veterans, who are mostly centenarians, represent the dwindling number of those who were on the front lines defending freedom. 

The veterans in Normandy are reportedly treated like "rock stars" in the region, being handed notes and hearing many "thank yous."

Jake Larson, 102, survived machine gunfire while storming Omaha beach on D-Day.

"We are the lucky ones … They had no family. We are their family. We have the responsibility to honor these guys who gave us a chance to be alive," Larson told AP.

"This will probably be the last Normandy return, when you see the condition of some of us old guys … I hope I'm wrong," King told AP.

The Best Defense Foundation began organizing trips to Normandy in 2004.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.