Recognizing that Bedford represented both large and small communities whose citizen-Soldiers served on D-Day, Congress warranted the establishment of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Bedford’s population in 1944 was about 3,200, and proportionally the Bedford community suffered the nation’s most severe D-Day losses. During the assault on Omaha Beach, 19 of the “Bedford Boys” of Company A died. 3, 1941, Virginia communities provided Soldiers to serve in the unit, and Bedford provided Soldiers to serve in Company A, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. When the 116th Infantry was activated Feb. More than 800 members of the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division were killed, wounded or missing during the D-Day assault on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, but their courage and bravery helped create a foothold that allowed follow on forces to continue the assault and set the stage for Allied victory in Europe. Just in awe of what was achieved and the sacrifices those Soldiers made.” When I am here at this location, I feel the same way. Just seeing how far they really had to go when the tide is out to come across those beaches is absolutely humbling. “In America, we don’t have beaches like the beaches at Normandy,” Wolfe said. Doug Wolfe has visited Normandy and seen first hand the challenging terrain the Soldiers faced 77 years earlier and compared it the experience of being at the National D-Day Memorial. It is incredibly humbling to be here at this memorial and remember the sacrifices of those who went before us.”įirst Battalion Command Sgt. “As members of the 1-116th, we always take time to reflect and make sure we properly respect the commitment, courage, bravery and sacrifices they provided when they stormed the beaches of Normandy. “We owe it to them to pay respect to them and hold the traditions and legacies they set for us,” Tierney said.
Jim Tierney, commander of 1st Battalion, said the battalion staff, company commanders and first sergeants used the march to reflect back on 77 years ago to remember the Soldiers from the battalion who stormed the beach of Normandy. With the site of our massive convoy approaching, they realized they were indeed liberated.”Įarlier in the day, Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted a memorial ruck march from the Bedford Armory to the D-Memorial. We were spell bound and overcome with this generous reception. “Every church bell tolled nonstop, and the citizens lined both sides of the road waving and cheering us on,” he said. Along the route, they approach a French village and were In late July, he was part of a convoy of 140 vehicles of armored vehicles and munition supplies headed to the front lines. Rothlein served with the 187th Advanced Army Ordinance Depot Company and drove a 6 x 6 heavy cargo truck. Once the beaches were cleared, thousands of ships were bringing additional personnel, weapons and other supples ashore to continue the Allied assault into France. I still feel the sadness, guilt and determination of that memorable experience.” Those brave warriors paid with their lives so I and my band of brothers could crest that hill and do our part to win the war. “Grave markers littered the ground as far as the eye could see. “We started across the beach in a heavy fog moving up a step bluff … the fog lifted to reveal a sight so shocking and stark in its finality my internal response was seismic and everlasting,” Rothlein said. Three World War II veterans were recognized, and Normandy veteran Ash Rothlein shared his experience with attendees. The Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided the color guard, drum and fife and ceremonial music for the event. Samulski, commander of the Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, placed the wreath honoring all U.S. Hinz, national commander of the 29th Division Association, and Col.
The valor, fidelity and sacrifice of D-Day participants were remembered June 6, 2021, at the observance of the 77th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.