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National D-Day Memorial

Discussion in 'General Chat Forum' started by Kaosdad, Nov 11, 2008.

  1. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    It's near Roanoke - go south on I-81 or 29, look for the signs.

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  2. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    Ka - BUMP!

    Thought I'd bump this on today's 65th remembering of D-Day.

    For more pictars visit my blog: http://kaosdad.blogspot.com/2008/10/national-d-day-memorial.html

    Also - it saddens me to report that this memorial is in danger of closing. They have an operating expense of $2.2 million per year and barly bring in half of that in visitors (even at $12 a pop!) and donations. Each year the Cadets of VPI & VMI hold fund raisers and mange to bring in over $100,000. Right now that have just over $300,000 in cash and a $400,000 endowment. The current owners of the Memorial are trying to get the National Park Service to take it over, that will take time & it may not be able to stay open that long.

    The Memorial is about a three hour drive away if you go 66W to 81S.
     
  3. wahoogeek

    wahoogeek New Member

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    Thanks for the bump to bring this to our attention.
     
  4. jaxmanjoe

    jaxmanjoe Blah, Blah, Blah

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    That's a beautiful monument, Kaos. Do you know what the 'Overlord' across the top means? Is this in reference to something?

    I'm heading down that way to a client's next week. I may see how close it is and try to stop by if I have time. How close to Charlottesville is it?

    Thanks for the pics.
     
  5. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    Overlord was the code-name for the D-Day invasion.
     
  6. woopity

    woopity cdubs ya know!

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    I saw the sign for this every time i drove back and forth to school (GO HOKIES)...But never realized it was such a beautiful memorial! With college football season looming at the end of summer---i'll definitely make the trip soon. Thanks Kaos!
     
  7. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    Jaxman - it's a bit further down 28 from C'Ville. From B'lands it's a solid 3 hours drive. But there are other things there to do (in Bedford). There are a number of small National Parks, small farms and, of course Cockalier Breeders

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    Anyway - it's close to Lexington, The National Brige and a bunch of other places that could turn it into a day trip.
     
  8. boomertsfx

    boomertsfx Booyakasha!

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    Looks like a really cool place.... but it's in the middle of nowhere, they should have put it near a major city. and $12 for entrance... I wonder why it's not doing well financially. Hopefully NPS can save it.
     
  9. Winston

    Winston Junior Mint

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    One of the main reasons it is in Bedford is because Bedford lost a large percentage of their boys during the D-Day invasion.
     
  10. jblnd

    jblnd New Member

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    If I remember correctly, Bedford lost the highest number of it's sons than any other town. There are a few books on it.
     
  11. Brassy

    Brassy Hiyah

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    It is actually a wonderful spot. The Memorial is a wowzer and the planted beds are pretty. But the amazing part is truly the beauty of the mountains and forests around it, which bring a sense of overwhelming peace, truely taking your breath away at how well it fits with the memorial.
     
  12. Kaosdad

    Kaosdad Will work for Rum

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    Per capita - Bedford was devistated on D-Day. That was the reson for the placing. I think they lost a total of 12 (?) men on the beach - the most from any one location in the US.

    Yes - it IS in the middle of nowhere, but can be part of a great day trip.
     
  13. jaxmanjoe

    jaxmanjoe Blah, Blah, Blah

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    I checked on Google Maps. It's almost 2 hours SW of Charlottesville, where I'm going to be, so I'll have to plan it for another day since I've already got 6 hours of drive time and a day at my client's already booked.

    Twelve men from one small town...that must have been devastating. They picked a good location for the memorial given those circumstances. I hope if finds the funding it needs...
     

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