ROANOKE, Va—
In a matter of weeks, we could have a better idea whether the National Park Service plans to make the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford a national monument.
It's no secret the memorial has struggled financially the last few years and now it's about to get some help from a group of college students.
The youngest generation is singing their hearts out to honor the greatest generation.
"They're tremendous. It's intimidating to look at what they've accomplished," Roanoke College Senior Johnny Camacho.
An accomplishment, commitment, and sacrifice that's showcased at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford.
Now the Roanoke College choir will do its part, holding a benefit concert to raise money for this place of remembrance.
"As the years go by, as we all know, we're losing more and more of those folks and as history seems to fade a little bit I think it's very important for our kids to have that connection," said Roanoke College Choir Director Jeff Sandberg.
These college students are well aware of the thousands of lives lost on that awful day some 67 years ago.
That's why it is such a privilege for them to use their god given talent to help.
"I really hope this show we still care and I know that we have that stigma of being a crazy generation who just wants to party but it's still important that we support who got us where we are today," said Roanoke College Junior Colleen Hayes.
So maybe it's only appropriate the Memorial plans to use the money raised to enhance technology, to bring the Memorial to a generation that's used to Facebook and Twitter.
Those who run the D-Day Memorial say what these college students are doing will help keep this sacred place up and running for future generations.
"What the veterans really want to see and they tell me all the time especially the World War II vets and D-Day vets, they say what's really important to me is I really would like to not have to worry about this place. They want to go in peace and not worry about this memorial," said Jeffrey Fulgham of the D-Day Memorial.
The benefit concert takes place Friday night at St. Andrews Church in Roanoke. It begins at 7:30.
An offering will be taken and all the money will be given to the D-Day Memorial.
When the choir held a similar concert four years ago, the students raised $2,600.
