President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE on Wednesday joined other world leaders and the royal family at a ceremony in Portsmouth, England, to commemorate the upcoming 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

Hundreds of people — including military officials and World War II veterans — gathered at an amphitheater just across the English Channel from where the Allied invasion took place on June 6, 1944.

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Trump took the stage to read an excerpt from a prayer that then-President Franklin Roosevelt delivered to the nation on the radio on the eve of the invasion.

"This day, we set upon a mighty endeavor," Trump said, reading from Roosevelt's remarks. "A struggle to preserve our republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. They will need thy blessings for the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces but we shall return again and again."

“Give us faith. Give us faith in thee, faith in our sons, faith in each other and faith in our united crusade. Thy will be done, almighty God," Trump concluded.

President Trump reads from Roosevelt's D-Day prayer as world leaders attend 75th anniversary events in Portsmouth, England https://t.co/KwReg3hlnY pic.twitter.com/ABxY73NPvw — CBS News (@CBSNews) June 5, 2019

The president was on stage for roughly a minute. He was seated for the rest of the ceremony in the gallery between Queen Elizabeth II and first lady Melania Trump Melania TrumpTrump privately blamed Black Americans for lacking initiative: report The Hill's 12:30 Report: Ginsburg lies in repose Melania Trump: Ginsburg's 'spirit will live on in all she has inspired' MORE.

"When I attended the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, some thought it might be the last such event," the queen said her remarks. "But the wartime generation, my generation, is resilient, and I’m delighted to be with you in Portsmouth today."

Other world leaders also took the stage to recount stories and letters from the invasion, including British Prime Minister Theresa May Theresa Mary MayAre US-Japan relations on the rocks? Trump insulted UK's May, called Germany's Merkel 'stupid' in calls: report Bolton says Boris Johnson is 'playing Trump like a fiddle' MORE, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Justin Pierre James TrudeauCanada says former ambassador to US violated conflict-of-interest law No new Canadian COVID-19 deaths reported for first time since mid-March Trudeau announces millions for first 'Black Entrepreneurship Program' MORE and French President Emmanuel Macron Emmanuel Jean-Michel MacronNavalny released from hospital after suspected poisoning US-China tensions shadow United Nations meeting The US is missing an opportunity in Lebanon MORE. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also in attendance.

Trump and Merkel met for what the White House called a "brief pull-aside" at a reception following the ceremony.

The event opened with a band and chorus performance, and a video of interviews with D-Day veterans recalling the invasion laid over images of the operation. About a dozen veterans then took the stage to applause.

“It’s right that the courage and sacrifice of so many is being honored 75 years on. We must never forget,” said John Jenkins, a veteran who was 23 when he landed on one of the beaches.

The Queen, US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Theresa May and members of the Royal Family applaud as D-Day veterans are honoured at the 75th anniversary commemorations in Portsmouth https://t.co/lK79s5hkd0 pic.twitter.com/KPpIjQNC9f — BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) June 5, 2019

The Portsmouth ceremony lasted roughly 90 minutes, and concluded with a flyover by the Royal Air Force.

Wednesday's commemoration came at the end of Trump's state visit to the United Kingdom, and one day before a larger event in Normandy that will mark the actual anniversary of the allied invasion.

Updated at 8:52 a.m.