National D-Day Memorial

As a nation we recognize the last Monday each May as Memorial Day to honor the men and women who died while serving the United State Military.  Virginia offers beautiful destinations to visit, and the opportunity to learn and reflect on the impact of those who served.

The most obvious is Arlington National Cemetery in Northern Virginia, our nation’s most hallowed ground. Consisting of 639 acres, is the final resting place for over 400,000 service members and their eligible dependents. Notable graves include presidents, astronauts, medal of honor recipients, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, military leaders, and others.  If you’re not able to visit in person, there is an educational program for classroom lessons (K-12) as well as self-guided walking tours of the cemetery.

The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford is a tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of allied forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Its location pays tribute to the “Bedford Boys” who gave their life on the beaches of Normandy, achieving the somber distinction of suffering the Nation’s highest known per capita D-Day loss.  The memorial is a multi-dimensional experience with sculptures, sights, sounds, and voices of the past that remind visitors of the lessons and legacy of D-Day for generations to come.

The U.S. Army’s Women’s Museum in Prince George County is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the contributions of women to the Army.  Free admission allows you to explore archives, step back in time through historical interpretation, and discover over 230 years of incredible history in the gallery.  There are also specific programs for professional development and distance learning.

Our state’s capital of Richmond hosts the Virginia War Memorial.  During World War II, nearly 10,000 Virginians made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The Memorial was dedicated on February 29, 1956, and has evolved from a passive space for remembrance and contemplation. The facilities have grown to include a museum, veterans’ art gallery, studio for recording veterans’ stories, archives and collections, auditorium, lecture halls, classrooms, and outdoor amphitheater.  Together they make it possible to tell the stories that provide context for the shrine, helping future generations understand the sacrifices made by their military forbearers.

In addition to the parades and picnics this Memorial Day, you can get on the road to explore these highlighted destinations and other places dedicated to honor those who served our nation.  Order your free Virginia 2023 Official Travel Guide to receive a copy by mail or preview and download it digitally.  You can also pick one up at many local Visitors Centers.