The president also visited Sainte-Mere-Eglise, the first French town liberated from the Germans by US troops.

Laura and George Bush look on as Mr Chirac speaks at Sainte-Mere-Eglise

The Bushes attend a memorial service in Sainte-Mere-Eglise (AP)

WWII veterans were present during the ceremonies

Mr Bush shakes hands with the crowd outside the church after the service

Mr Bush then visited the Normandy American Cemetery, containing the graves of 9,400 US soldiers

Bush and Chirac shake hands after laying wreaths at the Normandy American cemetery