Contributing writer
There is nothing more humbling than to see a veteran with limbs missing, or in wheelchairs, yet smiling and sharing that they “served their country and would do it again.” These men and women are called, “The Greatest Generation,” and deservingly so.
On D-day, June 6, the Bedford National D-day Memorial had their 79th Commemoration Annual Ceremony to honor veterans who gave their lives, those who made it through and the families whose lives were changed because of the allied landing at Normandy.
Many elderlies were assisted in with their walkers and wheelchairs while amazingly others, over the age of 90, continued to walk the distance to a seat with a humbling pride.
One might think that there would be a more somber atmosphere, however though respectful, it was filled with smiles, handshakes, hugs, and much conversation.
Citizens from many counties attended, and even some from other states, to give their respects.
The Bedford Memorial in itself is a sight to see and even to feel.
There are real life statues of soldiers trying to make it to shore from the ship, carrying their loads and some carrying other soldiers.
One soldier is laying face down, with his Bible laying in the sand which had fallen out of his backpack, as he had been shot.
Shots sounds echo constantly, with the water splattering upwards, to give you the feeling of the many bullets these men either dodged or took from the enemy.
The wall has men attempting to climb over it, while others are shot and falling off the waterfall. The graphic faces tells stories of their own.
Statutes with memoires adorn the entire campus, with General Dwight Eisenhower’s standing in the back, looking over the campus, towards the erected Overlord walkway.
The ceremony started with the welcoming of everyone, the 29th Infantry Division Bank playing the National Anthem and all being led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
They shared that the 29th Division had been in existence since 1922 and originated in Roanoke as a section of the 116th Infantry Brigade’s Service Company and follows with much history of its existence, even on the assault on Omaha Beach on D-day.
John Long, the director of education of the National D-day Memorial Foundation, gave the invocation.
Several speakers followed with words of appreciation to all who attended to honor these Veterans and families as well as deep appreciation to those who were still living.
George Patton Waters is the grandson of General George S Patton Jr. and shared that this would be the last official event he would be attending as an active serving soldier.
“I have been blessed that I have been given the opportunity to serve for 38 years and in the past nine having the great privilege to serve as the 28th Adjunct General of Virginia,” Waters shared. “One of the highlights during my tenure has been the association with the national D-Day memorial, these hallowed grounds and to reflect on the importance of taking time out of a busy schedule together and build a shared connection of the scope and scale of history.”
“For the Virginia National Guard this place is especially special for our thoughts are focused on the sacrifices of our soldiers of the 29th infantry division and especially A Company 1st Battalion 116th Infantry, the Bedford Boys,” he added. “Let us not forget the price that they paid along with their fellow Virginians to keep us free.”
He shared that on a more personal note, many have built a lifetime of connections for our World War II heroes, with their memories which are up to us to keep alive.
“It is also important to use this event to recognize veterans of all conflicts including Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Gulf War and all too many more,” Waters said. “We treasure these veterans just as much and one of the central missions here is to recognize all of these heroes and to tell their stories and everyone who comes here whether for the 1st or 30th time, knows that’s a part of that mission, giving us all have homework to do, to go out into our communities and tell everyone about this great place, and more importantly to tell the story of how important service above self is.”
“The memories of those no longer with us quietly enters our minds and it is these heroes who remind us that America is at its best when united against tyranny firmly on the side of freedom throughout the world,” he added. “I firmly believe this and am encouraged as I look out today and see so many young faces. It is you who will pick up the torch for freedom and ensure that it burns fiercely for the next generation as our WWII heroes deserve no less and it is you who give me great hope for the future.”
Waters added that he believes there are challenges that face our nation in the coming months and years and the story of what was accomplished on June 6, 1944, serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished by our citizens, a citizenship that understands that freedom is worth fighting for and is willing to stand up for democracy, our ideals, and our very way of life.
He continued, “We have Ernest Fulcher here today a U.S. Navy veteran who enlisted at 15 years old and found himself in a patrol craft in the English Channel of Omaha beach on D-Day. John Owens is here as well, and he is 101 years old and he served with the 79th division. Mr. Glenn Rachel is 102 years old and served in the European theater of operations. Mr. John Aikens joins us and was with the 34th division in Italy. Marion Noel served in the Pacific theater of operations with the U.S. Navy as well as many other veterans. It is our privilege to pay tribute to you today.”
Gov. Glenn Younkin addressed with a profound gratitude about the “hallowed ground at the D-Day Memorial.”
“Our freedom that we enjoy today, the liberties that we hold dear and yet too often take for granted were won in battle, gained, and then protected by heroes who gave their lives so we could be free,” he shared. “Around us are the names of over 4400 heroes who died for our liberty. On June 6, 1944 in an invasion of unparalleled scale that changed the course of human history.”
He continued, “Thank you feels wholly inadequate. Please know that we salute you and are forever indebted to you and to your families for your sacrifices.”
Younkin explained that 79 years ago both Europe and Asia were under siege and continental Europe was lost, freedom was at stake and America answered the call.
“The Bedford Boys of the Virginia National Guard were among the first to land on Omaha beach. Nearly 160,000 allied troops, 73,000 Americans that stormed the beaches of Normandy with Virginians playing a vital role,” he shared. “For nearly two years the Bedford boys had trained.”
He quoted Eisenhower ‘s statement.
“History moved through these heroic men that defended liberty and protected our freedom and within 80 days Paris was liberated and with that the beginning to the end of the war on May 8, 1945,” Youngkin said. “The sacrifices made reminds us that freedom is not free!”
He concluded, “May we sing our national anthem loudly, may we say the Pledge of Allegiance boldly and may we honor our flag daily because we must ask ourselves can we carry on the legacy of The Greatest Generation through our words, our deeds, and our actions? Will we be a nation deserving of their sacrifice?… and the answer is yes, we can, and we must.”
More people spoke, gratitude, appreciation and honor was at the forefront.
There was the special “Laying of the Wreaths” by the D-Day units to each area and the 29th Division Band ended the event with the Postlude.
Following were other events on campus.
Still, the most prominent was the continued passing of veterans while people shared their heartfelt appreciation, thanks and humbleness to these great servants of our United States of America.
