We had perfect weather to visit the National D-Day Memorial today. We were able to visit one day after Veteran's Day and bring some very special Veterans along for the ride!
Our day began in an old army tent where our tour guide, Felicia, gave us a good idea of who was landing on the beaches on D-Day, how many were fighting and how many made it out alive. She had great primary sources to show us including soldier's uniforms, weapons, army issue meals, letters home and telegrams sent to families of those who didn't survive.
We were very fortunate to have Veterans come with us today. One very important guest actually saw combat in WWII. It was very special to have all of our Veterans with us as we learned more about this very important part of our history.
Students learned why the memorial is in Bedford, Virginia. They also learned that there were a great number of troops from all over Virginia that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country on June 6, 1944.
We learned about spotter planes and the secret paint job that the planes received the night before the invasion. Ask your fifth grader about the secret pattern! It is also embedded in the Overlord arch of the Memorial!
A great time was had by all!