PHOTOS: Who knew this small southwest Virginia town was home to this 88-acre D-Day memorial?
Slaughter envisioned a plaque — what came to fruition, dedicated by former president George W. Bush on June 6, 2001, was the sprawling 88-acre memorial in Bedford that receives 60,000 visitors a year.
The memorial's centerpiece is a 44-foot tall arch embellished with the military code name "Overlord." At the base of the arch is the reflecting pool which encompasses a captivating scene from the beaches of Normandy, France.
“Fifty-seven years ago, America and the nations of Europe formed a bond that has never been broken," Bush said during the memorial dedication. "And all of us incurred a debt that can never be repaid. Today, as America dedicates our D-Day Memorial, we pray that our country will always be worthy of the courage that delivered us from evil and saved the free world."
Every aspect of the memorial represents a deeper significance. The "Overlord" arch is exactly 44 feet and six inches tall — the date of the invasion, June 6, 1944. The English garden represents the planning stage and was designed in the shape of the uniform patch for the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force. Walls along the entire memorial feature plaques with information about individuals, units, machinery and history of D-Day.
This year, on the 75th anniversary, the National D-Day Memorial wants to honor all veterans — and especially D-Day veterans.
WWII and D-Day veterans can register for the anniversary commemorative observance "The Final Salute," which is scheduled for Thursday, June 6. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the names of every WWII and D-Day veteran attending will be read for recognition.
Learn more here.
