Watch: National D-Day Memorial 80th anniversary commemoration

BEDFORD, Va. (WFXR) — Every story lives on. That’s what the ceremony for the 80th anniversary of D-Day is all about. On June 6, veterans, families, and leaders are coming together at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford to remember fallen soldiers and survivors of the historic 1944 invasion.

Starting at 11 a.m., Gov. Glenn Youngkin will deliver remarks to honor veterans and the brave soldiers who lost their lives 80 years ago.

On June 6, 1944, nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches in Normandy. Together, soldiers battled about 50,000 German forces. The invasion led to the victory in Europe. However, 4,426 Allied soldiers were killed.

The sun rises over Normandy’s beaches on D-Day’s 80th anniversary

To keep their legacy alive, the National D-Day Memorial includes poignant statues and meaningful artifacts from D-Day. Written on the Memorial Wall are the names of soldiers who died between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m., during the invasion. This includes 20 young men from Bedford, also known as the “Bedford Boys.”

“Each of us as citizens as American citizens are sharing their stories. It’s all of our responsibilities. I want people to come and be inspired by that, I want them to remember these stories that they hear, and I want them to share them with their children their grandchildren, let’s pass these stories on,” said April Cheek-Messier.

Small town still healing after losing 20 young men on D-Day

The National D-Day Memorial will have several events throughout the day including a Ceremony of Remembrance, book signings, the Bedford Boys Tribute Center Ceremony and Courthouse Bell Ringing, and more.

For more details, visit the National D-Day Memorial website.

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