The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz Exhibition
2026-07-02 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-03 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-08 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-09 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-10 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-11 11:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-15 13:00 - 18:00, 2026-07-16 13:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) and 13 more dates | Bower Center for the Arts, 305 N. Bridge Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Legendary cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s legacy is one of cultural influence through his beloved Peanuts comic strip and of humble service in World War II. His wartime experience left a lasting impression on him, so much so that he became the Capital Campaign Chair of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation from 1998 until his passing in 2000.
Portrait of Charles M. Schulz in his army Uniform, c. 1945.© SFIPT, courtesy of the Charles M.Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa, CA
“I think any sensible person with a grasp of history would have to admit that D-Day was the most important day of our century. Without D-Day it’s possible that Europe could have remained for another 25 or 50 years in darkness. I’m glad I wasn’t there, and yet my admiration for the people who were knows no bounds.” – Charles M. Schulz, 1999
The National D-Day Memorial is proud to bring The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz to the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia. The traveling exhibition, curated by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California, U.S.A., explores Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind the most successful comic strip in history.
The exhibition follows Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and tracks the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts. Thirty Peanuts comic strips, Schulz quotes, and photographs illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip. Comic strips by George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), and Elzie C. Segar (Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye) shed light on how these prominent cartoonists influenced Schulz as a young artist and reveal the contrast of Schulz’s drawing style to the elaborately illustrated cartoons popular during the early 20th century. Schulz revolutionized the art of the comic strip through his single-handed dedication to the art, wit, and wisdom of Peanuts.
©Peanuts Worldwide LLC

Thank you to our sponsors.
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U.S. Coast Guard Birthday
2026-08-04 10:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
U.S. Coast Guard veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

D-Day, Omaha Beach Traveling Exhibit Opening
2026-08-13 | Fleda A. Ring Education Quonset Hut, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24551
Created in 2024 by Tradition Studios, the D-Day, Omaha Beach Traveling Exhibit is designed to reach young and old alike with a visually stunning remembrance of D-Day and those who heroically served.
Free with regular admission.
Thank you to the exhibit sponsor.

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Distinguished Speakers Series with Keith Rocco, Dr. John C. McManus, & Kevin Hymel
2026-08-13 | Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Keith Rocco, Exhibit and Art Director of the D-Day, Omaha Beach Traveling Exhibit, will be joined by historians Dr. John C. McManus and Kevin Hymel for a panel discussion for the opening of the exhibit at the National D-Day Memorial.
Time TBA. Ticket purchase required.

No Excuse Night
2026-08-15 17:00 - 20:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Never been to the National D-Day Memorial? Haven’t been in a while? Come celebrate the Memorial’s 25th anniversary with a look at our latest additions and hear about future plans!

This free, extended-hours event is held annually during the national Spirit of ’45 weekend to commemorate the end of World War II.

Docents will be stationed throughout the Memorial to share information with guests.

No tickets or registration required. Rain or shine. Memorial site will be cleared for potentially severe weather approaching.

Poppy Peace Garden
2026-09-02 - 2026-09-11 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Each September the Memorial marks the official end of World War II with the Poppy Peace Garden.
To pay remembrance, 4,427 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-duty service members, or first responders.
Thank you to our Poppy Peace Garden sponsors.

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Patriot Day Wreath Laying
2026-09-11 11:00 - 11:30 | National D-Day Memorial – Estes Plaza, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
The National D-Day Memorial and the Bedford Fire Department will remember the September 11, 2001 attacks with an annual wreath laying and remarks.
Regular admission fees apply. Wreath laying will be livestreamed.

U.S. Air Force Birthday
2026-09-18 10:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
U.S. Air Force veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)

National POW/MIA Recognition Day
2026-09-18 11:00 - 11:30 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Join us as we recognize prisoners of war and America’s sons and daughters who remain missing with our annual wreath laying at the Memorial’s POW/MIA flag, located on the east lawn (behind the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument). Regular admission fees apply.

U.S. Navy Birthday
2026-10-13 10:00 - 17:00 | National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
U.S. Navy veterans receive complimentary admission to the Memorial. (Admission is always free for Active-duty service members.)
