As twilight deepens and obscures the Blue Ridge Mountains, the National D-Day Memorial will once again honor the men killed on D-Day during our annual Flames of Memory event. Arranged throughout the Memorial’s grounds, thousands of luminarias will shine in recognition of Overlord’s fallen and in tribute to the ultimate sacrifice each made to relight the lamp of freedom. Free admission. Donations welcome. Thank you to our Flames of Memory sponsors.  

National Guardsmen and National Guard veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

U.S. Space Force veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

U.S. Merchant Marine veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

U.S. Army veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

Though the Town of Bedford, VA’s annual fireworks display is launched from the National D-Day Memorial grounds, the Memorial is not a public viewing location. On Thursday, July 3, the Memorial will close to the public at 5PM.

U.S. Coast Guard veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

Each September the Memorial marks the official end of World War II with the Poppy Peace Garden. To pay remembrance, red poppies are placed alongside the Le Monument Aux Morts sculpture as a visual tribute to the men and women who gave their all to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. The garden also commemorates the 9/11 anniversary and the first responders who sacrificed their lives for the safety of others. The display can be viewed during daily operating hours, 10AM - 5PM. Regular admission fees apply. Poppies may be purchased in honor or memory of veterans, active service members,...