Paris ? With armfuls of gifts, France on Friday welcomed back American veterans who helped free Europe from Nazi occupation when they landed on Normandy’s beaches 60 years ago.

One hundred former World War II fighters saluted and waved as they climbed off a chartered Air France plane that brought them from Washington, D.C., to receive France’s highest honor at D-Day anniversary commemorations this weekend.

Cyril Ager, 79, a former Royal Engineer, talks to Michael Sheehan, 4, as they watch the British Army's 17 Port and Maritime Regiment ramps boats dock at Arromanches, France, during rehearsals Friday for ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Several leaned on canes as they walked down a red carpet on the tarmac at Charles De Gaulle Airport outside Paris. Many wore military caps and medals on their chests, some toted video cameras and all placed hands over their hearts when a French military band played “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

They sang along, too, to “La Marseillaise,” the French national anthem, whose words they had practiced on the flight.

“I’m really humbled by the whole thing,” said Rocco Moretto, 79, of the New York City borough of Queens. “The buddies that we left behind were the real heroes. I often think of them.”

French Veterans Minister Hamlaoui Mekachera promised the Americans they’d find a warm, grateful welcome here.

“For the French people of 2004, just like for the French people of 1944 … you are true heroes,” he said.

“We are fully aware of what we owe you. We have not forgotten the immense sacrifices that you have made for the liberation of our country.”

France is to bestow the Legion of Honor, its most prestigious civilian and military award, on the 100 veterans who were chosen by U.S. officials. France says it wants to honor them as representatives of all the Americans who fought against Nazism.

The 100 veterans are among thousands arriving in France for a weekend of ceremonies marking the 60 years since D-Day. Many are now in their 80s or older and this year’s commemorations are likely to be the last major anniversary attended by large numbers of those who participated in the June 6, 1944, landings.

More than 20 national leaders are expected in Normandy to mark the occasion, including President Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. It is the first time Russian and German leaders are attending a D-Day anniversary.

American World War II veterans and their families listen to welcoming speeches upon their arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Roissy, France, outside Paris. One hundred veterans are the guests of the French government, which will decorate them with France's Legion of Honor on the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings.