Field Trip to D-day in Bedford, Virginia
Visiting the National Memorial Dedicated to Operation Overlord
Dec 5, 2008
The invasion of Nazi occupied France began on June 4, 1944. Dubbed Operation Overlord, the D-day invasion involved several simultaneous beach landings that were met by fierce German defenses. Although thousands of allied soldiers lost their lives, more young men from Bedford, Virginia died than in any other American community. A student field trip to the National D-day Memorial in Bedford is an inexpensive yet powerful experience that dramatically illustrates the importance of sacrifice. Visitors of all ages will find the memorial a somber yet educational reminder of a World War II turning point.
The D-day Memorial for Students
Educational tours meeting the Virginia Standards of Learning are conducted by volunteers and often feature D-day survivors sharing their stories. The site is maintained by the National D-day Memorial Foundation and is heavily dependent on donor contributions. In stark contrast to the peaceful southern Virginia countryside, the memorial recaptures the beach landings with life-like sculpting and a recreation of those first moments as soldiers exited the Higgins boats.
Tours begin in the military tent. Not quite an actual Quonset hut, the facility houses World War II artifacts, weaponry, and other memorabilia. Tour guides “dress” volunteer students with the heavy kit worn by soldiers as they left their boats and waded through the currents toward the beaches. Individual artifacts are explained in detail so that students can visualize the immense scope of soldier’s lives.
The outdoor tour includes all six components of the memorial but perhaps the most dramatic exhibit features a depiction of the beach landings, complete with Higgins boat and obstacles. Sculptures of soldiers moving through the waters, dying on the beach, and climbing the ridges add a distinct sense of realism. Towering above the moving exhibit, the Overlord Arch is flanked by the flags of the Allied forces.
Other components of the memorial include an English garden, reminding visitors of the arduous preparation for D-day while Allied forces were still in England. A sculpture of General Dwight D. Eisenhower stands at the end of the garden. A gift shop features books and other souvenir items that are World War II themed or specific to D-day.
D-day and Bedford
Alex Kershaw’s 2003 book, The Bedford Boys: One American Towns Ultimate D-day Sacrifice, details the story of Bedford’s young men and their families from the outbreak of war to the long term affects of the town’s sacrifice. National Guard soldiers, few of them could have known that they would be keenly involved in one of World War II’s most significant and bloody battles.
Kershaw’s book weaves their experiences together with the families left behind, highlighting war time measures and sacrifices in a rural American town. Kershaw’s book should be read before visiting the memorial. An exceptionally well written book, particularly for students, the writer presents graphic content to the artifacts and archived materials displayed at the memorial. Visitors may find a stroll through Bedford's downtown appealing after leaving the memorial, especially if they have read Kershaw's book.
Summary
The National D-day Memorial attracts nearly 100,000 visitors a year. Dedicated by President George Bush in June 2001, the memorial is an on-going project with several plans to build and include more exhibits. The D-day Memorial is an excellent outdoor museum. Visitors may wish to couple the experience with other area historical sights in southern Virginia such as the AAF Tank Museum in Danville. Visitors should consult the website for hours of operation and entrance fees. Group rates for students are available and group tours should be reserved ahead of the visit.
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