D-Day in Bedford ... 66 years later

Remembering their valor, fidelity, and sacrifice....

They fought ... many died. Today we commemorate the 66th aniversary of the D-Day invastion that was essential to ending World War II. The D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, tells their story....

All are welcome to today's 66th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony:

The mission of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation is to commemorate the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of Allied participants in the invasion of Normandy through a broad array of public education initiatives. The Foundation presents educational tours and outreach programming to more than 70,000 visitors annually. More than 7500 students participate in our Hands-On History program and some 20 special events are presented by the Memorial each year. All programs have at their heart the goal of making the lessons and legacy of D-Day accessible and meaningful for all generations, fostering understanding of and appreciation for the efforts of those who have served our nation well.

To commemorate the 66th anniversary of D-Day, there will be a ceremonial observance on the morning of Sunday, June 6th, 2010, and an illumination of the Memorial that evening (using hundreds of luminaries in honor of the some 4,400 Allied D-Day losses).

The 66th D-Day Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, June 6th at 11AM at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. The ceremony includes special guest speakers, music, and wreath layings.

The program is scheduled to conclude at noon. Afterwards, guests are welcome to visit the retail store, purchase lunch from vendors on site, and tour the Memorial on their own. There will be a USO show at 2PM and the Nighttime Illumination of the Memorial with hundreds of luminaries will begin at 8PM. The 29th Division Band will perform during the illumination event.

Schedule of Events for Sunday, June 6, 2010:

10AM - Field Chapel Service
11AM - 66th Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony
2PM - World War II USO Show
8PM - 10PM - Evening Illumination

Information for D-Day veterans
As guests of honor, D-Day veterans will receive special recognition and opportunities at the coming commemoration. Special seating and parking for D-Day veterans and their families will be available for the Commemoration ceremony on Sunday, June 6th (limited seating available – please contact the Foundation in advance to reserve seats in veteran seating areas and for parking instructions). A hospitality area for veterans and their families will also be set up at the commemoration with opportunities for veterans to meet and reconnect.

May we never forget....