Bedford, Virginia, home of the National D-Day Memorial, is a town that understands what the defense of freedom can cost a community and its families. On D-Day, Bedford suffered the highest-known, per capita loss of its sons than any other community in the nation. The enduring pain of that sacrifice has indelibly shaped the town and community of Bedford for decades since.
The National D-Day Memorial Foundation committed to placing a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument on site in 2017—the first in Virginia. The National D-Day Memorial is grateful to the Woody Williams Foundation and the late Hershel “Woody” Williams, who personally selected the Memorial as home to this poignant tribute. Most importantly, we are grateful to our Gold Star families, a number of which worked with the Foundation to see this project come to fruition, with its dedication on Memorial Day, May 29, 2017.
The Gold Star Family Memorial was created by Medal of Honor Recipient Hershel “Woody" Williams to remember those families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. To learn more about the memorial, please visit our Gold Star Families Memorial Monument web page.
"Dying for freedom isn't the worst thing that can happen. Being forgotten is." Georgie Carter-Krell (Mother of Posthumous Medal of Honor Recipient Pfc. Bruce W. Carter, USMCD - Florida)
We are thankful to have support from hundreds of community partners. For specific resource requests, please email outreach@woodywilliams.org
