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National D-Day Memorial

National D-Day Memorial

The National D-Day Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the American soldiers who bravely landed on the beaches of Normandy during World War II. This solemn and evocative memorial offers visitors a profound experience, immersing them in the history and sacrifice of D-Day.

Bedford was chosen because it is thought to have suffered the highest per capita losses of any American community on D-Day. On June 6, 1944, 20 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from Bedford, known as the "Bedford Boys", were among the hundreds of thousands who landed at Normandy. Their sacrifice is immortalized in the memoria.

Upon entering the memorial, visitors are greeted by a striking plaza featuring a reflecting pool and a bronze statue of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The plaza symbolizes the calm before the storm, as Eisenhower contemplates the momentous decision to launch the invasion. From there, a path winds through a series of sculptures and exhibits, each depicting a different phase of the D-Day operation.

The Overlord Arch, a towering structure inscribed with the word "Overlord," marks the entrance to the main memorial area. Here, visitors encounter the "Final Tribute," a poignant sculpture depicting a group of soldiers wading through the surf toward the beach. The sculpture captures the courage and determination of the soldiers as they faced the unknown, ready to sacrifice their lives for freedom.

Continuing along the path, visitors reach the Memorial Overlook, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The overlook features a wall inscribed with the names of the 4,414 American soldiers who lost their lives on D-Day, a sobering reminder of the human cost of war. The site also includes a chapel, a museum, and an education center, where visitors can learn more about the history of D-Day and its lasting impact.

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A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about National D-Day Memorial

The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford is the only place in the world that lists the names of all Allied personnel who died on June 6, 1944.

Attraction Advice

The National D-Day Memorial opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (except Memorial Day) from March through November (closed from December through February). Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for veterans (free admission for WWII veterans and active-duty military), and $10 for students aged 6-18 or older with college ID. Children under 6 are free.



State of Virginia

Visitors can explore the National D-Day Memorial, dedicated to the Allied forces who, led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, participated in the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944.
National D-Day Memorial

Overlord Arch is the central feature of the memorial, symbolizing the codename for the Normandy invasion, Operation Overlord.
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Walls are inscribed with the names of the 4,413 Allied soldiers who died on D-Day, providing a powerful reminder of the human cost of the invasion.
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Victory Plaza features plaques, flags, and inscriptions that honor the Allied nations involved in the D-Day invasion.

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