The soldiers were dropped near the site of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem in southern Holland. More than 1,500 British died in the operation.
A total of 900 soldiers from Britain, America and the Netherlands took part. Major John Merrylees, of 4 Para, called it "quite a spectacle".
Gordon Morris, 85, was among 100 Arnhem veterans watching from the ground. He showed his medals to Dutch soldier Fred van der Zwan.
They were joined by defence secretary Bob Ainsworth and Major General Jonathan Shaw of the British Army. Prince Philip will attend a ceremony in Holland on Sunday.
Hercules aeroplanes and a vintage Dakota were used for the jump. The ill-fated battle inspired the 1977 film A Bridge Too Far.
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