Hello, and thank you for listening to the history of World War II podcast, Episode 66,

the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.

Before we get started, please remember that this episode is an MP3 format, so there are

pictures showing you the different parts of the memorial as they are discussed.

A few months ago, I visited the National D-Day Memorial and wanted to share my experience

with you, and as you'll see from the photos, it was a perfect day.

The leaves were at their fall peak and the monument was a fitting tribute as much as

any monument can be to those who gave their last full measure.

When you leave the D-Day Memorial, two things will be etched in your mind.

The first, the words valor, fidelity, and sacrifice.

The second, is the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The memorial is located in Bedford, Virginia, because soldiers from that town suffered

the highest per capita losses in the United States on June 6, 1944.

On that date, 150,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of beach in northern

France.

More than 5,000 ships and 11,000 aircraft supported the invasion.

For General Dwight D. Eisenhower, that day was a crusade, where, quote, we will accept

nothing less than full victory, unquote.

The victory for that day was defined as having gained a foothold in enemy territory.

And by the end of that day, 9,000 Allied soldiers were either killed or wounded, but victory

was achieved.

In all, 12 areas in Virginia offered up a company of soldiers.

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