Many Virginians will enjoy picnics and getting together with friends and family this holiday weekend. And some will find the time to remember the true meaning behind Memorial Day.
The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford will begin its Memorial Weekend festivities with a patriotic concert Saturday night. April Cheek-Messier is Co-president of the memorial.
“And it’s so very important for us to let people know why the weekend is so important, why we take time out to remember those who’ve served and those who’ve given their all in service to their country. This is a wonderful way for people to come together and thank a veteran and just remember this special time.”
Something new this year-a 15-piece orchestra will perform 1940’s music beginning at 7pm before the patriotic concert at 8. “Remembering Their Sacrifice”, the annual Memorial Day ceremony, will take place Monday at 11am.
“We ask people just to come up and take a little bit of time out of their Memorial Day weekend just to remember what the day is all about. We have very special music. Brass 5 will be performing. We have a number of veterans who will be speaking. We’ll be dedicating a couple of plaques to enhance the memorial and our story of those who have served.”
Also during the ceremony, Cheek-Messier says they’ll dedicate more than 200 personalized bricks in the Memorial’s gardens. She says the Blue Star garden honors those who have served in the armed forces while the Gold Star garden honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.