National D-Day Memorial

LoginSave

During WWII, 30 Bedford National Guard soldiers joined the invasion of Normandy. Nineteen were killed in action on D-Day, the highest per capita loss of any community in the country. Today, Bedford and the US honor the sacrifice of these Bedford Boys at this memorial. Among its exhibits, a cast of bronze figures re-enacts the storming of the beach, complete with bursts of water symbolizing the hail of bullets the soldiers faced. Take the one-hour guided tour for more background.

Note that the water features are turned off December to mid-March. Purchase tickets at the Bedford Area Welcome Center on Burks Hill Rd.

The town of Bedford sits at the foot of the Peaks of Otter, a popular hiking and camping destination on the Blue Ridge Pkwy.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • O. Winston Link Museum

    O. Winston Link Museum

    22.5 MILES

    Trainspotters aren't the only ones who will find this museum fascinating. It is home to a large collection of photographs, sound recordings and film by O…

  • Natural Bridge in Fall.

    Natural Bridge State Park

    20.56 MILES

    We're going to let Thomas Jefferson write the review of the main feature in this state park, which he described in his book Notes on Virginia: 'It is…

  • Dinosaur Kingdom II

    Dinosaur Kingdom II

    21.63 MILES

    One of the wackiest attractions yet from artist and creative wunderkind Mark Cline, this kitschy theme park transports visitors to an alternate reality: a…

  • Smith Mountain Lake State Park

    Smith Mountain Lake State Park

    17.12 MILES

    Smith Mountain State Park is located on the north shore of an enormous, 32-square-mile reservoir, one of the most popular recreation spots in Southwestern…

  • Taubman Museum of Art

    Taubman Museum of Art

    22.52 MILES

    The jewel in Roanoke's cultural crown, this impressive museum is set in a sculptural steel-and-glass edifice. Inside, you'll find a small permanent…

  • Center in the Square

    Center in the Square

    22.6 MILES

    The city's cultural heartbeat, where you'll find three museums, a butterfly garden, aquariums and a theater. The museums cover African American culture,…

  • White Rock

    White Rock

    11.76 MILES

    The setting is lovely at this winery and brewery 17 miles east of Roanoke. Pop into the tasting room to try its crisp White Mojo, a blend of Pinot Gris,…

View more attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Peaks of Otter Winery

6.83 MILES

The countryside around Bedford is speckled with vineyards, including this winery with attached orchard (pick your own fruit August through October). It…

2. White Rock

11.76 MILES

The setting is lovely at this winery and brewery 17 miles east of Roanoke. Pop into the tasting room to try its crisp White Mojo, a blend of Pinot Gris,…

3. Hickory Hill Winery

14.8 MILES

This winery, anchored by a charming 1923 farmhouse, welcomes picnickers including family groups. Try its Mist, a blend of chardonnay and Vidal Blanc.

4. Smith Mountain Lake State Park

17.12 MILES

Smith Mountain State Park is located on the north shore of an enormous, 32-square-mile reservoir, one of the most popular recreation spots in Southwestern…

5. Natural Bridge State Park

20.56 MILES

We're going to let Thomas Jefferson write the review of the main feature in this state park, which he described in his book Notes on Virginia: 'It is…

6. Dinosaur Kingdom II

21.63 MILES

One of the wackiest attractions yet from artist and creative wunderkind Mark Cline, this kitschy theme park transports visitors to an alternate reality: a…

7. Roanoke Star & Mill Mountain Park

22.49 MILES

Mill Mountain Park has walking trails, a discovery center, a zoo (adult $9, child aged three to 11 years $7) and grand views of Roanoke. It's also home to…

8. O. Winston Link Museum

22.5 MILES

Trainspotters aren't the only ones who will find this museum fascinating. It is home to a large collection of photographs, sound recordings and film by O…