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). 

 

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

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 - WWII 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.

Guests with Special Needs
The National D-Day Memorial is fully handicapped-accessible. Guests with physical impairments are encouraged to bring their own wheelchairs or other mobility assistance; a limited number of wheelchairs are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge. 

 

Visit this site frequently for updates.

 

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In addition to the D-Day ceremony on site, there are other activities in the area that weekend.

 

The National D-Day Memorial Foundation is pleased to partner with the Virginia Aeromodelers of Bedford, VA to present the first Warbirds Over D-Day Event on June 5-6, 2010 during the 66th anniversary of D-Day.  This event will be located at the Virginia Aeromodelers' flying field on Falling Creek Road in Bedford, VA.

 

The Warbirds Over D-Day model airshow event will present model aircraft representing all eras of military aviation - from early military planes through today's fighters. Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend.  There are no admission fees however, donations are requested for parking.  Specific times will be announced closer to the event date. 
 

This event is sanctioned by the Academy of Model Aeronautics.  All registered pilots must show valid AMA membership in order to fly.

 

Proceeds from this event benefit the National D-Day Memorial Foundation.

 

Click here to print a Warbirds Over D-Day Flyer