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80th Anniversary of D-Day
Schedule of Events
80th Anniversary of
D-Day Commemoration
Thursday, June 6
11:00AM
The 80th Anniversary of D-Day will be observed in a special ceremony at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. Program highlights include a recognition of veterans, guest speakers, dignitaries, music, flyovers, and more. Surviving D-Day and World War II veterans will take part along with representatives from each of the Allied nations and military personnel. The commemoration begins with a morning ceremony featuring the laying of wreaths by D-Day units. Other activities include:
- Living Historian Exhibits
- An authentic Higgins Boat on display
- Portraits of Heroes and Faces of the Fallen photo exhibit
- Book signings by guest authors
Bedford Boys Tribute Center Ceremony & Courthouse Bell Ringing
Thursday, June 6
6:15PM
Annual public remembrance of the supreme sacrifices the “Bedford Boys” made on D-Day.
This commemoration takes place on the West Lawn of the Bedford County Courthouse (123 E Main St, Bedford), where, 70 years ago to the day, a memorial stone was unveiled to mark the 10th anniversary of D-Day.
The ceremony will culminate with the ringing of the courthouse bell 20 times, once for each “Bedford Boy” killed on D-Day. The bell will begin tolling precisely at 6:44PM (to represent June 6, 1944.) Church bells across Bedford County and communities around the globe will ring at 6:44PM local time in remembrance.
Guests are asked to bring a lawn chair.
D-Day at Dusk:
Remembering Overlord
Thursday, June 6
7:00PM
Walk the grounds of the Memorial in the evening and view the Portraits of Heroes while listening to the music of the 29th Division Band as we close out the day. The Memorial will remain open until 9:30pm and the day will end with the playing of Taps.
Tour the National D-Day Memorial
Friday, June 7 – Sunday, June 9
10:00AM – 5:00PM
General admission ticket required. Admission is free for World War II veterans. Ticket includes guided tour.
Patriotic Remembrance Concert & Projection Light Show
Friday, June 7
7:30PM – Concert 9:00PM – Light Show
The West Point Alumni Glee Clue performs a stirring patriotic remembrance concert.
As night falls, immerse yourself while D-Day unfolds all around you as the Memorial is transformed in a stunning display of light, imagery, and sound.
Advance tickets required.
1940s Concert & Projection Light Show
Saturday, June 8
7:30PM – Concert 9:00PM – Light Show
A 1940s-themed concert precedes the second showing of our epic multi-media experience.
As night falls, immerse yourself while D-Day unfolds all around you as the Memorial is transformed in a stunning display of light, imagery, and sound.
Advance tickets required.
Soldiers and Sailors at Worship:
A Field Chapel Service
Sunday, June 9
11:00AM
Set in 1944, this authentic worship service reveals how soldiers made time for their faith in the most trying of times, and the role of chaplains in guiding and strengthening the spirits of the men in their care.
Free admission to the Memorial from 10 AM to Noon.