Remembering June 6, 1944 – A Visit to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia

Remembering June 6, 1944 – A Visit to the National D-Day Memorial

by a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads – Art & Other Odd Facts

Dear Henry,

A few days ago, Fish and I took a drive to Bedford, Virginia, to visit the National D-Day Memorial, and it was one of the most moving stops on our travels.

You’ll remember June 6, 1944, D-Day, when Allied forces launched the largest seaborne invasion in history, storming the beaches of Normandy to begin liberating Europe from Nazi control. More than 150,000 men from twelve nations took part, and by the end of that single day, at least 4,415 had died.

On June 6, 2001, the National D-Day Memorial was dedicated to honor those who served.

“It was a different world then. It was a world that required young men like myself to be prepared to die for a civilization that was worth living in.”

— Harry Read, British D-Day Veteran

Designed by architect Bryon Dickson and constructed by Coleman-Adams, the memorial spans 50 acres overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its centerpiece is extraordinary, a sculpture of the beach landings surrounded by fountains that recreate the sound of bullets striking water. Around it, a curved wall bears the names of every Allied soldier who fell that day.

The research behind that wall was the work of archivist Carol Tuckwiller, whose dedication and precision made the memorial’s record possible. She has become something of a hero to me. I hope my work with The Everyday Patriot project one day honors history with even a fraction of her grace and diligence.

The grounds also feature alcoves dedicated to the Allied Air Forces and Navies, gardens honoring commanders and Gold Star Mothers, and a quiet space remembering the Bedford Boys, the 20 young men from Bedford, Virginia, who were lost in the first wave on Omaha Beach. For a town of only 4,000, the loss was devastating.

“Hitler made only one big mistake when he built his Atlantic Wall. He forgot to put a roof on it.”

— Adage of a U.S. WWII Paratrooper

The National D-Day Memorial is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a small admission fee and guided tours available. There’s also an excellent gift shop full of books and artifacts that keep the stories of that day alive.

It’s a beautiful and sobering place, not just a monument, but a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and what it means to defend a world worth living in.

 You can watch my full video tour here: YouTube Link

xoxo, a.d. elliott 

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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