Families, veterans and spectators came from near and far to visit the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. There were many activities for Family Day.
WDBJ-7's Bryce Williams was there and had a chance to speak with World War II veterans. They shared interesting stories and youngsters spoke about how they appreciated the from veterans and I spoke with a youngster about his appreciation for their service.
June 6th, 1944, is a day that will never be forgotten--the D-Day National memorial is designed to remember the invasion of Nazi-controlled Normandy. Operation Overlord was the codename for the allied invation of northwest Europe.
World War II Veteran Bill Overstreet shared his experiences. “Well it was just a routine day, I mean, we were able to follow the German planes who were attacking the bombers when they were leaving. We tried to shoot them down,” he said.
We also spoke with Jeff Baker who fought in the same war. “I was in the second world war and I was a gunner on a B-17 and I made 28 missions over Germany and France, he said.
12-year-old Peter Kadel said he enjoyed the program and he said he appreciates what the vets have done for the nation. “I thanked him for his service and I told him it meant a lot,” he said.
One of the attendees we spoke with said D-Day Veteran Bob Slaughter was in his thoughts. Slaughter was a key force behind the National D-Day Memorial. He died in May but his involvement in the memorial will always remembered and appreciated.
