The National D-Day Memorial joins museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families. The 2023 season runs Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 2023 to Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2023. The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members will show their military or dependent identification card...

The Roanoke Valley chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society will present “World War II in Miniature,” a one-of-a-kind display featuring miniature World War II model planes, tanks, ships, jeeps, historic figures, and more. Vote for your favorite model for $1, with proceeds to benefit the Memorial. The winning model receives the People’s Choice Award! Younger visitors can create miniature WWII vehicles using LEGO bricks. Regular admission fees apply.

Register now for the National D-Day Memorial’s World War II Day Camp! Campers will travel back to June 1944 to explore the most important events of that month, from the capture of Rome to D-Day to the Battle of Saipan. Register Now!

Each September the Memorial marks the official of World War II with the Poppy Peace Garden. To pay remembrance, thousands of 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. Regular admission fees apply. Poppies may be purchased in honor or memory of veterans, active service members, or frontline workers.