National D-Day Memorial, Bedford, VA

moose135

Heading to an air show in Manassas, VA on Friday night, I passed a sign for the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. Since it's sort of in the middle of nowhere, and I didn't know when I'd get back by that way, I took a short detour on the way home and stopped in to visit. I'm glad I did - it's a beautiful memorial to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen, from the United States and Allied countries, who fought and died during Operation Overlord.

1



2 - The large arch is 44 feet, 6 inches tall, commemorating D-Day, 6/6/44. The black and white stone stripes reflect the "Invasion Stripes" applied to Allied aircraft to ease identification by ground troops.




3




4 - The wall surrounding part of the memorial was filled with these plaques, with the names of US and Allied troops killed in Operation Overlord.




5



6




7 - The plaque accompanying this L-3 observation plane included the comment "If its canvas covering offered scant protection to those in the aircraft, the L-3's ability to fly on as projectiles pass through it was an offsetting advantage..."




8




9



10

Panther

Morning,

What a stunning Memorial, so wonderfully designed and executed.

Really well captured Moose, so many neat details, would love
to see it. I'll bet your so glad you decided to stop in

rpcrowe

Great memorial...
You documented it very well. I'd love to visit it someday... Lots of history around Manassas but, I didn't know this was there!

GSPeP

That's an impressive memorial. Thanks for sharing. I like the pictures.

daniel212

Very nice photography on Memorable statue. Such a fantastic collection of army photos. I really like second last photo its look very natural and original

Tinstafl

I need to go there. Thanks for sharing. I thought it was the standard plaque we have all over VA.

Earache

Thanks for the great look at a most necessary Memorial.
I have read historical accounts of the Allied strategy and maneuvers - very interesting stuff.

black mamba

Kudos to you, John. That's some mighty impressive work on your part. As a long-time student of military history, I'm really pleased to see that such a grand tribute was erected in remembrance of those brave men that sacrificed so much on that momentous day. Over the years, I've been able to speak with quite a few participants in the invasion. The horrors that they described were almost unfathomable to me.

See ya,

Tom

Jack Sparrow

Beautiful serie of a great place! Powerful images!

stphotography

Thanks!

superduckz

Just to add to the chorus, what a stunning memorial! And very well photographed. Bravo!