Hello
All,
 |
| Authentic Navy recruitment tent on display, Family Day 2014. |
I trust you
all have been enjoying your summer thus far, despite the heat and stormy
weather. Also, I hope everyone was able to enjoy the fireworks display in
Bedford over July 4th, it was a spectacular sight!!
If you are looking for a
fun, educational and exciting weekend activity, look no further than the
National D-Day Memorial. We will be hosting our annual Family Day Event,
generously sponsored by the Woodmen of the World of Virginia, on Saturday, July 18, 10AM-5PM. Families will be able to meet over a dozen
World War II veterans from the 8th Air Force, the 29th Infantry Division,
Merchant Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, and other military units. These
brave veterans will be situated in the education tent until 1PM to meet with
you and share their wartime experiences.
 |
| D-Day Veteran signing a veterans poster, Family Day 2014. |
One such veteran is
D-Day paratrooper Norwood Thomas. Thomas joined the U.S. Army in March 1942 and
was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division where his first combat mission was
to parachute into Normandy, just 4 miles inland of Utah Beach, on 6 June 1944.
Not only did he survive the Invasion of Normandy, but he also rode a Waco CG-4A
troop transport glider into Holland as part of Operation Market Garden and
fought in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Meeting a man such as
Norwood Thomas is humbling and unique experience nowadays. It is vitally
important for us to honor and remember our veterans while they are still with
us so that their legacies will be passed on to future generations. Don't miss out
on your opportunity to meet a true American hero.
Not only will Norwood
Thomas be sharing his heroic narrative, but also B-17 gunners, radio operators,
Higgins boat drivers, and men who served in the Navy in both the Pacific and
European theaters. "We encourage people to visit our WWII veterans at this
event," stated April Cheek-Messier, President of the National D-Day
Memorial Foundation. "We are losing them at an alarming rate of 492 a day
according to Veterans Administration statistics. Over 16 million served during
WWII and just over 800,000 are still with us today. Now is the time to say
thank you and hear their stories. They are a national treasure," she
added. To guarantee your visit with these remarkable men, be sure to make your
way to the education tent before 1PM.
 |
| Dedicated D-Day volunteers having some fun at the 2014 Family Day Event. |
Family Day is a uniquely
interactive event for visitors of all ages to experience life during World War
II. Since this year is the 70th Anniversary of the end of WWII, the main focus
of the event will spotlight the twelve Allied nations involved in D-Day. Guests
will be able to explore artifacts, converse with living historians, view
military vehicles and equipment, partake in craft making, and more. Twenty-five
activity stations will be throughout the site including stations on WWII
propaganda, medics, WWII aircraft, Victory Gardens, V-mail, the home-front, and
so much more! Local authors Franz Beisser (Time and Place: The Making
of an Immigrant and Red Solstice) and Zoe Myers (We Two: A Story of War and Love) will be
on site with their books available for purchase. Guided tours of the Memorial
will take place throughout the day and depart from the deck of the Gift Store.
 |
| Recently donated authentic WWII Command Jeep. |
New this year:
the Memorial has partnered with the Red Cross to "Pack the Command Car"
with non-perishable food and supplies for our U.S. troops serving overseas.
Just like during WWII, our servicemen and women need our support in any form we
can provide. If possible, please bring one or more of the following items; TRAVEL SIZE personal hygiene products such as shampoo, soap,
shaving cream, deodorant, body wash, foot lotion, non-aerosol insect repellent,
toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, lip balm, and sunscreen. Other items
include Individual Size food supplies such as hard candies,
cookies, rice krispie treats, snack cakes, granola bars, power-bars, nuts,
chips, pretzels, trail mix, crackers, Cheez-Its, and cheese spreads. DVDs
(movies) and international phone cards are also appreciated. The Red Cross will
ensure all shipping and handling of donated items overseas is taken care of and
will also host a station for guests to write "V" mail to military
personnel currently serving.
A big thanks goes out to
our generous sponsor, Woodmen of the World of Virginia. Woodmen of the World
lodges from all over the state will be volunteering during the event. Thanks to
their kind donation, students 18 and under will be admitted free to the event.
Adults are $10 per person; veterans are $8; active military service members are
free as part of the Blue Star Museum program. All proceeds benefit education
initiatives of the Memorial. Please visit www.dday.org or call (540) 586-3329
for more information about the event.
Take care and hope to
see you all on Saturday!
Elizabeth
