The Final Salute: D-Day Plus 75 Years
Vice President Mike Pence to Attend
75th Anniversary Commemoration at the
National D-Day Memorial
WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENT – JUNE 7 AND JUNE 8 EVENTS
The June 7 Concert and Canteen at 7PM is CANCELED. The private donor reception will go on, as planned, inside the Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion at 5PM.
The June 8 Parade of the Greatest Generation is CANCELED.
Please check back for updates regarding the June 9 Field Chapel Service.
On June 6, 1944 Bedford, Virginia lost 20 of the 32 sons it sent to the invasion of Normandy, a devastating blow to the tiny community of just over 3,200 souls. Over time, grief gave rise to solemn pride and deep commitment to ensuring the story of D-Day and its costs and consequences were not lost on future generations. That commitment, along with the distinction of sustaining the highest per capita D-Day losses, placed the monument to D-Day here rather than elsewhere in the country. Dedicated in 2001 with some 24,000 in attendance, the Memorial has since hosted hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe.
The Memorial’s motto – “Commemorating Their Valor, Fidelity, and Sacrifice” – places education squarely at the center of its mission and “The Final Salute,” the 75th anniversary of D-Day, promises to be the Memorial’s biggest educational undertaking yet, and its largest event since the national dedication in 2001.
“The Final Salute” combines the best of the Memorial with the best of the D-Day story: a gathering of veterans and the general public at the nation’s memorial to the invasion of Normandy for reflection and remembrance – the story of ordinary people in extraordinary moments.
Our Thanks to our Sponsors for the 75th Anniversary Commemoration:
Sponsor Websites: Dominion Energy | Framatome | Liberty University | Financial Designs | Walmart of Southwest VA McKenna & Associates | Freedom Aviation | Banker Steel | Bank of the James | BWXT | Harris | B2X Online | Catalyst Communications | Member One Federal Credit Union | Fostek | CVFCU | BB&T | Southside Electric Cooperative | Air Boss | Town of Bedford | Bedford Regional Water Authority | Delta Star | Southeastern Transformer Company | New London Technology | Shentel | Unlimited Electrical Contractors | The Okonite Company | Windle Construction Company | Cintas | Generation Solutions | The Roanoker | Aviation Institute of Maintenance | Centura College | Harris Night Vision | Lynchburg Area Veterans Council | Military Aviation Museum | Select Bank | Sonny Merryman | Tidewater Tech | Virginia’s Veterans Parade | Genworth | Military Order of the World Wars | Bison Printing | Powell’s Truck & Equipment | J.B. Moore | The Military Order of the Purple Heart | Revlon | Liberty University School of Aeronautics | Van Horn Aviation | Fast Signs
The 75th Anniversary
June 6, 2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, a milestone that is expected to represent the last large gathering of D-Day veterans around the globe. The youngest D-Day vets are in their middle-90s; a few more years will find the last of them gone from us. To mark this milestone and take advantage of the opportunities for discussion and commemoration it presents, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia will observe the 75th Anniversary with six days of ceremonies, displays, interviews, and much more.
Commemorative publication by LEISUREMEDIA360.
Available in “The Roanoker” March/April 2019 and Virginia editions of “Blue Ridge Country” May/June 2019.
Click cover image below to read digital edition.
Our Thanks to our Partners for the 75th Anniversary Commemoration:
The Final Salute Schedule of Events
Events held at the National D-Day Memorial unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, June 4, 2019
- Drawing D-Day: An Artist’s Journey Through War, by Ugo Giannini book signing and reception with Maxine Giannini – 6PM, Academy Center of the Arts, 600 Main St, Lynchburg, VA
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
- U.S. Naval Academy Plaque dedication – 3PM
Thursday, June 6, 2019
- Aerial Tribute to the Veterans of WWII – 10AM Click here for participating aircraft.
- “The Final Salute” Commemorative Observance – 11AM
- Extended Memorial Hours – Until 9PM – Enjoy a self-guided tour and the “Profiles of Honor” mobile museum
- Living History Flight Experience – Lynchburg Regional Airport, 350 Terminal Dr, #100, Lynchburg, VA – 3PM- 6PM- Click here to purchase a ride. Please join the National Warplane Museum for a flight into history aboard the famous C-47 “Whiskey 7” or the famous B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle”.
- Tuesday Mourning by Effulgent Productions – Gibson Memorial Auditorium, Bedford Science and Technology Center, 600 Edmund St, Bedford, VA – 7:30PM – Click here to purchase tickets.
- Saving Private Ryan free screening – Historic Academy Theatre, 524 Main St, Lynchburg, VA – 7:30PM
Friday, June 7, 2019
- Regular admission and tours of the Memorial – WWII-era Living History Encampments on-site
- Living History Flight Experience – Lynchburg Regional Airport, 350 Terminal Dr, #100, Lynchburg, VA – 9AM-6PM – Click here to purchase a ride. Please join the National Warplane Museum for a flight into history aboard the famous C-47 “Whiskey 7” or the famous B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle”.
- CANCELED Outdoor Concert and Canteen – 7PM – Hear patriotic music and World War II-era songs in a powerful, twilight concert at the Memorial. The famed 29th Infantry Division Band and West Point Alumni Glee Club will perform along with the U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team. Free admission.
- Tuesday Mourning by Effulgent Productions – Gibson Memorial Auditorium, Bedford Science and Technology Center, 600 Edmund St, Bedford, VA – 7:30PM – Click here to purchase tickets.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
- Regular admission and tours of the Memorial – WWII-era Living History Encampments on-site
- Living History Flight Experience – Lynchburg Regional Airport, 350 Terminal Dr, #100, Lynchburg, VA – 9AM-6PM – Click here to purchase a ride. Please join the National Warplane Museum for a flight into history aboard the famous C-47 “Whiskey 7” or the famous B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle”.
- CANCELED Parade of the Greatest Generation – 11AM, Downtown Bedford Enjoy a 1940s-era parade featuring vintage cars, marching bands, veterans, and WWII -era living historians as they take to the streets in tribute to those who served and those serving today. Click here for parade route map.
- Tuesday Mourning by Effulgent Productions – Gibson Memorial Auditorium, Bedford Science and Technology Center, 600 Edmund St, Bedford, VA – 2PM and 7:30PM – Click here to purchase tickets.
- United States Air Force Heritage Brass Band free concert – Historic Academy Theatre, 524 Main St, Lynchburg, VA – 3PM
Sunday, June 9, 2019
- Regular admission and tours of the Memorial
- Living History Flight Experience – Lynchburg Regional Airport, 350 Terminal Dr, #100, Lynchburg, VA – 9AM-3PM – Click here to purchase a ride. Please join the National Warplane Museum for a flight into history aboard the famous C-47 “Whiskey 7” or the famous B-17 “The Movie Memphis Belle”.
- Field Chapel Service at the Memorial – 11AM – An authentic WWII field chapel ecumenical service will conclude the 75th anniversary observance. A unique and moving experience with a message similar to what the troops would have heard on the eve of the D-Day invasion.
- Tuesday Mourning by Effulgent Productions – Gibson Memorial Auditorium, Bedford Science and Technology Center, 600 Edmund St, Bedford, VA – 3PM – Click here to purchase tickets.
For other 75th commemoration events in the community please click here.
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75th Anniversary Commemorative Posters
Click images below to save and print posters as our gift to you.
Getting Here
DRIVING
GPS address – 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA
From Richmond, VA : 360 west to 460 west; follow signs to Lynchburg and Bedford; take 2nd Bedford exit; take a right off of the exit onto Burks Hill Road. Or: 64 west to 81 south; take exit 150 to Alternate 220; follow signs to 460 (Lynchburg and Bedford) and take a left onto 460 east; travel approximately 25 minutes and take the 122 exit; take a left off of the exit and proceed through the stoplight.
From Roanoke, VA: 460 east to Route 122 north; take the 122 exit; take a left off of the exit and proceed through the stoplight; take an immediate left at the Bedford Area Welcome Center
NOTE: Public parking will not be allowed on-site at the Memorial June 6, 2019. Shuttles will be provided from the designated parking areas to the ceremony site.
AIR TRAVEL:
Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport
PASSENGER RAIL:
Amtrak (stops in Roanoke and Lynchburg)
Lodging Information for Out of Town Guests
Area hotels are offering special room rates June 5-9, 2019. Please mention our event when making reservations.
Click here for links to lodging by area.
Parking
Please park in one of the following satellite parking areas and take the provided shuttle to the Memorial.
Liberty Lake Park, 939 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford, VA is the designated handicap lot, though handicap accessible buses will stop at all locations.
Word of Life Church 912 Burks Hill Rd Bedford, VA
Walmart 1126 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
Bedford Plaza 1128 E. Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
Lowes 1820 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
Berglund Pre-Owned Lot 1415 Boxwood Terrace Bedford, VA
Venture Boulevard Venture Blvd Bedford, VA
Westgate Shopping Center 560 Westgate shopping Center Bedford, VA
Vista Foods 212 E Washington St Bedford, VA
*Liberty Lake Park 939 Burks Hill Rd Bedford, VA
Eaheart Industrial 720 Industrial Ave Bedford, VA
Harmony Development 802 Woodhaven Dr Bedford, VA
Bedford Moose Lodge 2986 W Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
US Army Reserve Center 1117 Harmony Lane Bedford, VA
Liberty High School 100 Liberty Minutemen Dr Bedford, VA
Liberty Middle School 1237 Lacey Putney Way Bedford, VA
*denotes designated handicap lot, though handicap accessible buses will make stops at all locations
Shuttle Bus Schedule
6:30AM – Shuttles begin running from parking areas to Memorial
9:15AM – Last shuttles run from parking areas to Memorial
1:30PM – Shuttles start running from Memorial back to parking areas
5:00PM – Shuttles stop running from Memorial back to parking areas, Memorial reopens for passenger vehicles
NOTE – Please plan to arrive early. Public safety officials may close the Memorial prior to 9:30AM if the site reaches capacity.
Registration Forms
Registration links are listed below, if the link you are looking for is not yet active then please check back at a later date.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Select a Category:
Information for D-Day and WWII Veterans:
Should I register in advance?
D-Day and WWII veterans are strongly encouraged to register with the Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission. Advance registration guarantees preferred parking and seating for such veterans for the June 6, 2019 event and that all veterans in attendance are included in our roll call. Registration links are available below:
Can I register on-site, day-of?
If you are a WWII veteran or traveling with one who did not register by 5/29 at 6:00 a.m., please report to will-call upon arrival – located on the Tiger Trail side of the Bedford Area Welcome Center, below the Memorial site to receive your packet and parking pass. Once on Memorial grounds, please report to the veterans reunion tent to register for inclusion in the roll call.
If I’m pre-registered, should I check in that day?
Yes, checking in helps us to get an accurate count of the heroes joining us for this once in a lifetime commemoration. It also allows us to finalize our veteran roll call list, so that we may avoid calling the names of those not in attendance.
What is the “Roll Call”?
At the conclusion of the ceremony, we will read the name of each WWII veteran in attendance. Registration allows us to collect all necessary information to properly honor such veterans.
Where can I meet up with other veterans?
A veterans’ reunion tent will open on Memorial grounds at 7:00 a.m., to provide veterans a place to gather before and after the ceremony. Light refreshments will be served. Please check back for a map showing the reunion tent location.
Visiting on June 6:
Will I need a ticket?
No, Memorial admission is free all day on June 6. Visitors are encouraged to register with the Virginia WWII Commemoration Commission, so that you may receive regular updates regarding the event.
Does registration guarantee a parking space or seat?
Only for D-Day and WWII veterans, not for the general public.
Can I take a Memorial tour?
There will be no tours available on June 6. Tours resume June 7, but regular admission fees will apply.
Is there a rain date?
The event will occur rain or shine. However, the aerial tribute may be limited or canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Are dogs allowed?
No pets are allowed on Memorial grounds. Only official service animals are permitted.
June 6 Event Times:
When do gates open and close for the ceremony?
Shuttles will run from parking areas from 6:30 – 9:15 a.m. or until the Memorial site reaches capacity as determined by public safety officials.
What time does the aerial tribute start?
10:00 a.m.
What time does the ceremony start?
11:00 a.m.
What time is the roll call?
Approximately 12:30 p.m. (The annual gathering around the “Homage” sculpture will take place immediately following the roll call.)
When can I take a bus back to my car?
Buses will make return runs from the Memorial to parking areas beginning at 1:30 p.m. No buses will run during the ceremony. The last shuttles from the Memorial to parking areas will run at 5:00 p.m.
When does the Memorial reopen to passenger traffic?
Guests will be allowed to drive personal vehicles to the Memorial site beginning at 5:00 p.m.
What time does the Memorial close?
The Memorial will remain open until 9:00 p.m. on June 6.
Parking:
Can I drive up to/park at the Memorial?
No on-site parking or drop off for passenger vehicles will not be allowed.
Where do I park?
Please park in one of the following satellite parking areas and take the provided shuttle to the Memorial.
Liberty Lake Park, 939 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford, VA is the designated handicap lot, though handicap accessible buses will stop at all locations.
Word of Life Church 912 Burks Hill Rd Bedford, VA
Walmart 1126 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
Bedford Plaza 1128 E. Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
Lowes 1820 E Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
Berglund Pre-Owned Lot 1415 Boxwood Terrace Bedford, VA
Venture Boulevard Venture Blvd Bedford, VA
Westgate Shopping Center 560 Westgate shopping Center Bedford, VA
Vista Foods 212 E Washington St Bedford, VA
*Liberty Lake Park 939 Burks Hill Rd Bedford, VA
Eaheart Industrial 720 Industrial Ave Bedford, VA
Harmony Development 802 Woodhaven Dr Bedford, VA
Bedford Moose Lodge 2986 W Lynchburg Salem Turnpike Bedford, VA
US Army Reserve Center 1117 Harmony Lane Bedford, VA
Liberty High School 100 Liberty Minutemen Dr Bedford, VA
Liberty Middle School 1237 Lacey Putney Way Bedford, VA
*denotes designated handicap lot, though handicap accessible buses will make stops at all locations
What if I’m a D-Day or WWII veteran or am traveling with one?
D-Day and WWII veterans are strongly encouraged to register with the Virginia WWII Commemoration Commission to guarantee preferred parking and seating. Click here to register. Veterans will receive their parking information in advance, after registering.
NOTE – There is no change to WWII veteran parking with the announcement of the Vice President’s visit. WWII veteran parking will be at the Memorial site. Please display your parking placard, received after registering. If you are a WWII veteran or traveling with one who did not register by 5/29 at 6:00 a.m., please report to will-call upon arrival – located on the Tiger Trail side of the Bedford Area Welcome Center, below the Memorial site to receive your packet and parking pass.
Is there disabled (handicap) parking?
The designated handicap lot will be located at Liberty Lake Park, 939 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford, VA, though handicap accessible buses will make stops at all lots.
What if I’m arriving with a large group?
Groups of 20 or more arriving by bus must register and will be assigned an arrival time window. This is to ensure a smooth flow of traffic around the Memorial circle. Click here to register.
Where do buses drop off/park?
We will have designated bus drop off and parking areas. Bus operators are invited to attend the ceremony with their group.
Security:
A clear bag policy will be enforced on June 6, 2019.
Will I need to go through a security checkpoint?
Yes. Guests will be pre-screened as they board buses. Upon arrival at the Memorial site, guests will enter through U.S. Secret Service screening areas.
What bags are approved under the clear bag policy?
Approved bags include:
- Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12”
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar)
- small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
Can I carry more than one bag?
Each person is allowed one clear bag plus a small clutch.
Can I carry a camera, binoculars, cell/smart phone, or tablet?
Yes, so long as they are not inside bags that are not on the approved clear bag policy list. Cameras and binoculars can be worn around the neck with a strap.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, strollers are allowed but are subject to search. Diaper bags must adhere to the clear bag policy.
Can I leave prohibited items with someone at the gate?
No. Please note the clear bag policy when parking and secure any prohibited items in your vehicle. Items will not be held/stored for visitors. Bags will be checked at parking locations. The Memorial is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Confiscated items will not be returned.
Where can I get a clear bag that meets the policy?
Clear bags are available at the on-site Memorial gift store prior to June 6. The deadline for online orders with delivery prior to June 6 has passed. These bags comply with the clear bag policies of stadiums, so they can be used for other events. Your purchase supports the Memorial.
Clear bags that meet the policy are widely available at other retailers.
Are there any exceptions to the clear bag policy?
An exception can be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
Equipment bags carried by media covering the event will be subject to search.
What items are not allowed?
The following items will be prohibited on Memorial grounds:
- Aerosols to include silly string
- Air horns/noisemakers
- Alcoholic beverages
- Ammunition
- Animals other than service/ guide dogs
- Bags exceeding size restrictions (see Clear Bag Policy)
- Bags in violation of clear bag policy (to include purses larger than a clutch, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, and diaper bags)
- Balloons
- Bicycles
- Blankets
- Chairs
- Coolers or containers
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft systems
- Firearms
- Fireworks or explosives
- Glass, thermal, or metal containers
- Hoverboards/skateboards
- Illegal drugs
- Laser pointers
- Mace/pepper spray
- Packages
- Selfie sticks
- Structures
- Supports for signs and placards
- Toy guns
- Umbrellas
- Wrapped gifts
- Weapons of any kind
- Any other item determined to be a potential hazard
Confiscated items will not be returned.
Handicap Accessibility:
Is there disabled (handicap) parking?
The designated handicap lot will be located at Liberty Lake Park, 939 Burks Hill Rd., Bedford, VA, though handicap accessible buses will make stops at all lots.
Is there handicap seating?
Yes, a seating map will be posted on this site once finalized.
Will wheelchairs/motorized scooters be available on-site?
No, individuals must provide their own mobility devices.
Site Amenities:
Is there a gift store?
Yes, our gift store will operate from two locations on-site June 6, selling 75th commemoration and other items. The on-site gift stores accept cash and credit/debit. Checks will only be accepted from local residents.
You can purchase items anytime through our online store: https://www.dday.org/shop/
Will food be available for purchase?
Food vendors will be open and serving throughout the day. Cash and credit will be accepted.
Do I need to bring cash?
Guests may want to bring money for food and beverage and gift store purchases. The gift store accepts credit/debit and local checks.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located on the main plaza. Portable restrooms will also be available. The main plaza restrooms are equipped with baby changing areas.
Lodging:
Where can I stay in the area?
Hotels are offering special rates for 75th commemoration visitors. Please mention our event when making reservations.
Commemoration Events:
What other events are planned during the 75th anniversary?
We’ve planned a full slate of 75th commemoration events. Click here to view them all and make your plans.
What aircraft are flying in the aerial tribute?
Where are other viewing locations for the aerial tribute?
To limit traffic congestion, we are unable to recommend alternate viewing sites for the aerial tribute.
Will the aircraft be on public display?
No. The aircraft staging areas are not open to the public.
Do you have information on events in Normandy?
Please visit the following websites for information regarding the 75th commemoration events in Normandy:
Americans with questions about attending the June 6, 2019 ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery can email NormandyVisits@abmc.gov or contact your travel agent.
National D-Day Memorial staff cannot assist in obtaining tickets or credentials for events in Normandy or with travel arrangements.
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Planning Resources:
Will there be updates?
Yes, we will regularly update www.www.dday.org/75.
Does the Memorial have an app?
Yes! The National D-Day Memorial launched a brand new app in 2019 with information about the 75th commemoration, a site map, memorial wall name and brick finders, and much more to enhance your visit. Please click Apple or Android to download on your device.
Please allow push notifications to receive parking, weather, and other alerts.
Regular text rates may apply.
Can you help me plan my trip to Normandy?
Please visit the following websites for information regarding the 75th commemoration events in Normandy:
Americans with questions about attending the June 6, 2019 ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery can email NormandyVisits@abmc.gov or contact your travel agent.
National D-Day Memorial staff cannot assist in obtaining tickets or credentials for events in Normandy or with travel arrangements.
