Wow!! The architecture and design of this memorial was top-notch! The exhibits are amazing, and the scene is a bit surreal. There are guided tours, or you can walk and take it at your pace. Check out the exhibits on the outer rims of the monument! And you can also safely board your dog in a temperature controlled environment as you visit, for free!!! Amazing!! There's also a walking trail through the woods, nice and shaded, and some interesting artifacts in the Q room. For the best deal, grab the combo ticket with Poplar Forest. You can go any time in a year, so you don't have to go the same day, but why not??! read more

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This is without a doubt one of the most powerful memorials I've ever visited. The depth of history behind it is incredible, and the designers did an outstanding job capturing every aspect through the memorial itself. From the way they depicted the scale of the wall, to the soldiers climbing, the beach layout, simulated gunfire hitting the water, and even the landing ramp from the boats--every detail was thoughtfully designed and deeply impactful. I spent a good 20-30 minutes just taking it all in. The statue and the story of the Bedford Boys were especially moving--truly powerful and emotional. I also stopped by the gift shop and picked up a small souvenir. This place is absolutely worth a visit! read more

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I visited the National D-Day Memorial last week. It was an amazing, eye-opener, educational experience. So many interesting and heat-breaking artifacts. We took the guided walking tour. Very worthwhile. Great guide---Kathy. read more

My brother and I took a wonderful tour today of the D-Day Memorial in Bedford Virginia. I was so pleased to see the terrific combination of a world class tribute to our D-Day Heroes presented by our passionate, informative, and caring tour guide, Rick. The Memorial itself is well-planned and designed...the tour by Rick enhanced the experience so much. We are so happy we took the time to experience The Memorial and will be sure to return in the springtime with friends. It is indeed a special site to see here in Virginia. I would highly recommend visiting The Memorial. read more

If you love history this place is for you! It was so cool walking around and seeing the monuments and artifacts from D-Day. Easily spent an hour here, there is so much to see and read. They also have facts about WW2 and WW1, not only D-Day. read more

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We enjoyed our tour with Jeff. He did a great job walking us through the memorial and the history of D-Day. Whether you're a history buff or a novice, this is worth visiting. We look forward to coming back in the spring with everything in bloom. read more

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Went on a cold day in November. This is a really impressive memorial. It is well done and we had the opportunity to tour with Mark who told the story of D-Day, the connection to Bedford and many other touching details and stories. I highly recommend. read more

Extremely well don't as a military family we really enjoyed this gem. So much history my kids loved it and learned so much from it. read more

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I had one main question and it was answered almost immediately. Why is the D-Day Memorial here in Bedford which is the very definition of "middle of nowhere" USA? The answer is that the town had the highest per-capita number of young men who were killed in the invasion of France. Big thanks to volunteer Twila Sue who was our tour guide today. Our timing worked out perfectly for us, in that it was only my brother and I on the tour effectively making it private for just us. As my brother is a veteran having served 20 years in the US Navy, he was thanked repeatedly and our tour guide pointed out special Navy stuff along the way. About 90 minutes of walking around, seeing the various sites and learning the history of Bedford, of the memorial site and of course, the history of D-Day that began the liberation of Europe. I would not recommend touring the site without a guided tour. There was so much that we would have missed without her kind help and knowledge. It is a private organization and gets much of its funding from paid admissions and purchases at the gift shop. It is not part of the National Parks Service. As such, it is not free but it's well worth the price. [Review 15074 overall, 576 of 2021, number 1291 in Virginia.] read more

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Highly Recommended. As you begin to read this review it might occur to you to ask the question,"... why is there a National D-Day Memorial in this rural area of Virginia?..." The answer is the nearby Town of Bedford sustained the highest per capita number of young man killed in the invasion of France during World War II. We had the good fortune to visit this place after having seen Normandy Beach and the towns nearby in France only a few months prior to our visit here. Normandy sustained the greatest military invasion in the history of the earth during World War II. Or course, this site cannot compare with Normandy. But the makers did a masterful job of selecting and presenting the history and imagery of D-Day that matters so much to this day to many who recall or imagine the staggering losses of this war. The memorial is a circular lay out with the magnificent entry headstone but the mark the entrance. Off to the side there's a tent we're visitors can listen to video clips and narratives about the history of this era and of course, there's a storm is Momentos for sale. So, to sum up, just because you've seen Normandy doesn't mean you shouldn't stop here. You'll find it worth your while. read more

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This was a real eye opener. So many details lost to the time and what all happened and how things were handled needs to be remembered and learned from. They've done a great job and there is so much detail it deserved More time than we had. But I'm Glad it made it. It is not government run so there is a charge. But it is well earned for sure. read more

This memorial was excellent. Very well constructed (if you do it the way it was designed). Not many people understand that there is a "flow" to the layout. They just immediately head to the "noise". The layout is designed to follow the events of (and lead up to) D-Day. Everything from the planning to the execution. My suggestion is to start - where the sign says "tour starts here" and listen to the story. read more

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Incredible monument, the water features were spot on. Great gift shop. Moved to tears.

This was an amazing memorial that I had never heard of. It was beautifully and thoughtfully designed and told a beautiful (and sad) story. It's a pretty large memorial and has a lot of walking, but it's worth it! The walking tour was awesome. We learned so much. If you love history or if you have a connection to WWII, this should be on your list of places to visit! read more

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I stumbled across this on my way across VA. Boy am I glad I stopped. Tours were suspended for to the extreme heat. I was able to explore on my own before lightning closed the monument. I got to speak with one of the volunteers, Bob, who was a wealth of knowledge. He showed us a virtual tour of the site and answered questions. He spoke of the symbolism running through the site especially the 3 of sacrifice, valor, and fidelity. He pointed out that the site receives no state or federal funds. Its survival is predicated upon visitors' entrance fees and gift shop purchases along with donations. Having 2 great uncles who stormed the beaches, I am honored that their memory along with all the others who served is being preserved for future generations. read more

When in VA this is a must see!! I've seen many of the memorials in DC, however, this is definitely one of my favorites. It's spread out and huge, so be prepared to walk. If you have young children, I recommend you bring a stroller. When you arrive you first go to the visitor center to pay for admission. They will give you a sticker to wear. Children 6 and under are free. The visitor center has nice restrooms, a gift shop, and offers many brochures and information on all the surrounding areas. I highly recommend you give yourself some time to look around. You drive down from the visitor center to the entrance of the memorial. There is plenty of parking. I was definitely moved by the many flags that stand tall and that represent all the countries that participated at the battle of Normandy. The statues and the battle scene in the large pool of water is powerful and takes you back to that day in history that will never be forgotten. read more

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Took my wife, daughter and Army veteran father in law here. We loved the guided tour. Super informative and just a lot of little details on the property for you to take in. The sculpture work and other memorial pieces are incredible and very powerful in terms of their imagery and emotion. The grounds are manicured and really beautiful. The price was fair, especially since it goes to a good cause. And they have a very cool gift store and indoor museum with some amazing items to see. Call ahead and make sure the museum is open. Definitely worth visiting. read more

Absolutely beautiful monument, memorial and tribute to the fallen on DDay. $26 for three adults. Free tour by a very knowledgeable veteran. Bathrooms close and readily Accessible. Excellent. So glad we stopped. Thank you Bob G!!! read more

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Excellent memorial to those who ga their lives on D-Day. Tour guide Imogene was exceptional, here knowledge on the events on June 6th and the memorial were extremely informative. read more

I live in Bedford County and have visited the National D-Day Memorial several times. This memorial is a wonderful tribute to those who served in WWII, especially on D-Day. The recreation of the beach invasion is amazing. Water explodes randomly to simulate mortar fire. It leaves you with a deep sense of gratitude and makes you understand the depth of sacrifice made on D-Day. I highly recommend visiting this memorial. read more

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We visited on a Wednesday. The memorial was not busy so we were able to drive in and join the first tour of the day. Tours meet at the gift shop ( the 2nd green building). My husband is active duty Air Force , there is a summer program where active duty military gets in free with up to 5 people. It's called Blue Star Museums. Lots of free museums The memorial is well worth the visit. It is well maintained ( it is obvious they have lots of money to keep the memorial in good order). The tour was informative. read more

An amazing look into the historic past of D Day. A must see memorial. To understand the memorial be sure to take a guided tour, included in entry fee. read more

Stunning. The guides are awesome, the scenery is fantastic, and the monuments almost too much to believe. I was especially amazing by how the water pool - representing the British Channel - was making 'ploop' noises simulating the sound of bullets entering the water. The attention to detail was just that good. I'm a huge WW II buff - even more than I'm a Civil War buff - and even I learned things about the D Day invasion during my tour. Just as poignant were the human stories about the people of Bedford, like the poor telegraph operator who had to receive the messages about the 19 "Bedford Boys" who died on D Day alone. Bedford earned the right to host this monument in the worst way possible. read more

National D-Day Memorial - Museums Near Me - Bedford, Virginia

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Moving Memorial with a tremendous impact on the local community My wife and I recently went for a guided tour of the D-Day Memorial and were glad we did. It was a sobbering reminder of how much so many sacrificed for our country. In the town of Bedford, VA, they lost 21 of the 30 Bedford Boys that were part of the D-Day Invasion. With the population of Bedford in 1944 being about 3,200, proportionally Bedford suffered the nation's severest D-Day losses. My wife's father went ashore at Omaha Beach, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Purple Heart. It was especially meaningful for her. Our guide was quite knowledgeable of the history, which was helpful due to his impaired vision and hearing. He gave us stories and background that helped make the D-Day Invasion more meaningful to all of us. Whether you have family or friends that were involved or not, this is a trip that will make the whole battle more meaningful to everyone who values the sacrifice they made for our country. read more

This is a amazing piece of history it looks amazing whoever built this I am so very proud I study World War II just about every day this is a dream come true read more

Moving experience! The tour guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable. It was humbling seeing the sacrifices these brave souls endured. This experience also opened my teenagers eyes to the rich history. read more

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I would highly recommend reading Alex Kershaw's "The Bedford Boys" before visiting Bedford and the D-Day Memorial. While the memorial itself is a worthy monument, there is even more poignant history in this small town if you know where to look for it. I was most intrigued by the Les Monument aux Morts statue replica that is part of the memorial. The original statue sits outside of the Church of St. Aignan in Trévières, France. It was originally commissioned to commemorate the deaths of 44 soldiers from the French town during World War I. However, during German attacks on the town during the Second World War, this memorial was damaged by shrapnel; the removal of part of the face of the statue on account of a second war makes it much more haunting and much less victorious (as the woman is intended to be a sort of Nike). I was so taken with this statue that I photographed it over and over from many varying angles. On a trip to Normandy the following year, I made a point to seek out the tiny town of Trévières to see the original. Many of the Bedford Boys whose bodies were returned to the US are buried at Greenwood Cemetery. There is no real method to finding their headstones, but a friend who had also read the book accompanied me there on a fall day to rustle about the leaves and look for them. It was odd to find them situated so quietly amongst all the rest of the headstones after having read so much about their lives. In a way I felt like we were intruding, but in a way it was much more personal than reading their names on a memorial somewhere. Finally, there is a Bedford World War II memorial located at the Bedford County Courthouse. This memorial is made from stone taken from the Normandy Beach area and was dedicated only ten years after the D-Day invasion. It is a small and dignified precursor to its much larger neighbor. It's amazing what this particular group of men seem to mean, not only to their hometown, but also to the French. I spoke with the guide on the D-Day tour I took in Normandy and asked him if he would be able to elaborate a bit on them while I was there; he was very knowledgeable and proud of their roles. He also made a point to show me the street there that had been named after their hometown. Bottom line: Read up and explore Bedford. It means more to put a face and a story to a name. read more

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It's easy to see why this is a top ranked visitor attraction in the region. Make sure you opt in for the free guided tour to learn about the symbology about the various displays. read more

If you're ever in the Bedford area, you MUST make time to go by this Memorial. Bedford had the most soldier deaths on D-Day per capita of any other city in the United States. This memorial is beautiful! It's a breath taking view of monuments and sculptures with mountain views behind it all. Words can't describe it - you have to just see it for yourself! It costs $7.00 for an adult ticket - but it's well worth it. They have done away with guided tours - now they have cell phone tours, which is pretty awesome. You can dial a number & it'll walk you through the Memorial or you can dial 2# or 3#, etc depending on the place you are & it'll tell you a tid-bit about that one location. It's nice that you can move through at your own pace. I could tell you about it all day, but you need to see it for yourself! read more

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This was a pretty cool memorial. There was a giant fountain that kept splashing, along with a replica of beach obstacles. Not bad at all there was a very friendly lady who answered all our questions at the desk. it is located right behind the High School. There were lists of names of all the people who were injured of killed there. There is a Gigantic marble arch that says simply "Overlord" it almost brings you to tears to see the tragedy that befell this small town's people during the war. Theres a map room, equipment storage, pinups and all kinds of other artifacts from the famed "Skylighters". read more

National D-Day Memorial - overlord.... i dont have any more photos, they all came out terrible..... - Museums Near Me - Bedford, Virginia

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Beautiful, emotional and powerful....I'd read about the memorial on the day it opened (6/6/01) and we finally went there today. We'd visited the Normandy Beaches 15 1/2 years ago and my father & uncle survived WWII, so this memorial was particularly meaningful for me. It's in a rather remote locale, but that actually heightened the impact. It's a beautiful site and also peaceful. We didn't take a tour, but first we watched the very worthwhile (ten-minute) film at the Bedford Visitors' Center (where tickets to the memorial are sold - and the two people working there were very pleasant). read more

My family visits at least once a year. The memorial is always free Memorial weekend from 10am -12noon. There are tributes and music. The grounds are beautiful. If you need assistance, staff members can drive you in a golf cart during special events. There is a small gift shop inside the park area and a larger one inside the visitor's center nearby. It is worth a visit. The statues are moving, especially the one's portraying battle. read more

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The word 'awesome' is SO overused, but appropriate for describing this place. 15 acres set aside to honor those of the Greatest Generation who literally saved the world from fascism. Take the walking tour and let the presenter describe it as you go, be sure to visit the gift shops and meet Zoe, the little Sheltie at the shop on the hilltop. The staff will let you give her a treat, but she has to earn it with 'sit' and 'shake hands'. She's so cute! read more

National D-Day Memorial - Museums Near Me - Bedford, Virginia

I've been to this amazing memorial twice, and I learned so much each time! The tour guides are so knowledgeable, and they customize the tour for each group. The monuments and all structures are of such great quality, and the grounds are beautiful, with well-maintained plants and flowers! This is a great place to honor those who died on D-Day--especially the local Bedford Boys. Instead of being part of the National Park Service, it is maintained and operated by its own private foundation. read more

Absolutely amazing. If your in Bedford or even around Bedford you must see it. The amount of statues and information can keep you here for awhile. Even if you are not interested in history you will be doing yourself a favor by going. If you go take the guided tour you learn more, and the information hits you harder. I hope they reach their goals so they can add more, and redo some things. read more

We had heard about the National D-Day Memorial from a friend so while on our trip we decided to make a stop. We are glad we did. It was a very enlightening experience and sobering. I would recommend. It only takes a couple hours to see the movie at the visitors area and walk around the memorial. read more

If you are interested in World War II history or, perhaps just want to pay your respects to those who served...this memorial is worth the trip! read more

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Great history reviewed and great location and design to honor those who fought that day and never came home to their families. Very humble experience! read more

Amazing views and a great memorial to those who fought in WWII. The staff is very dedicated to keeping history alive. Highly recommend going at the peek fall foliage, peek cherry blossom blooming, and any time they have live reenactments!! read more

If you host a group or anyone visiting the area, take them here. I took a group of 25 visitors who were in Bedford County to visit farms and agriculture businesses last week, but I squeezed in a guided tour of the D-Day Mem'l for them too. I was amazed how many told me they were so glad they got to experience it and hear the interesting and moving stories of the Bedford Boys and allied troops who lost their lives. I had many of them in that group thank me sincerely for giving them that experience. Some even planned to buy the Bedford Boys book or research more about it later. read more

National D-Day Memorial - Museums Near Me - Bedford, Virginia