80th anniversary of D-Day commemorated in Bedford Virginia National Guard Soldiers join the tribute to the valor, fidelity and sacrifice of the Allied Forces who participated in the June 1944 invasion of Normandy and commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day June 6, 2024, at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin delivered a memorial salutation on behalf of a grateful commonwealth, and retired Maj. Gen. Craig Crenshaw, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, and Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Samulski, 29th Infantry Division Deputy Commanding General - Operations, were among those reading historical excerpts. All three leaders shook hands, recognized the World War II veterans in attendance and thanked them for their service. VNG Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team escorted WWII veterans during an honor parade and roll call. Read more about the VNG’s connection to the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford at ngpa.us/29939.