Biden in Normandy speech: "Democracy begins with each of us"

Driving the news: Biden has been in France this week to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and honor World War II veterans.

• "American democracy asks the hardest of things: to believe that we're a part of something bigger than ourselves. So democracy begins with each of us," Biden said.
• Biden also paid tribute to the ordinary men — "from farms, from cities, from every part of America" — who came to Europe's defense that fateful day.

The big picture: Biden drew a parallel between the values of the veterans who fought to defeat fascism in WWII and the need to defend democracy around the world and in the U.S. today.

• "Does anyone doubt that they would want America to stand up against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's aggression here in Europe today" or to "vanquish hateful ideologies of today"? Biden asked.
• The memory of their brave actions calls on Americans today to "stay true to what America stands for," he added.

Between the lines: Without mentioning him directly, Biden drew an implicit contrast to former President Trump, who has campaigned on an "America First" agenda and is currently facing federal charges for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

Flashback: Pointe du Hoc is also the site of one of former President Ronald Reagan's most famous speeches, commemorating the 40th anniversary of D-Day in 1984.

Go deeper: In photos: Biden marks 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy