SW Virginia News

The U.S. Department of Interior's National Park Service (NPS) has announced the designation of Bedford County, Virginia as a World War II Heritage City. This recognition comes as a result of the county's significant contributions to preserving and honoring American World War II heritage.

Bedford County is home to the National D-Day Memorial, which serves as a powerful tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in the D-Day invasion during World War II. Additionally, the county is known as the birthplace of the "Bedford Boys," a group of young men who made up Company A of the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division, and played a crucial role in the D-Day invasion.

Congressman Morgan Griffith, representing Virginia's 9th congressional district, expressed his pride in representing Bedford County as the state's only World War II Heritage City. He commended the county and others involved for their dedication and hard work in preserving this important piece of American history:

"World War II was a defining period in American history, and Bedford County has been a vocal advocate for memorializing and preserving this history. As the site of the National D-Day Memorial and the homeplace of the Bedford Boys, this decision by NPS introduces the rest of the country to a foundational piece of World War II preservation efforts. I am proud to represent Virginia's only World War II Heritage City and I applaud the years of hard work by Bedford County and others to make this designation possible."

The National Park Service's American World War II Heritage Cities Program aims to recognize and celebrate communities across the United States that have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the legacy of World War II. With the addition of Bedford County, there are now eleven new communities joining this prestigious program.

This designation serves as a testament to the efforts of Bedford County and its residents in ensuring that the sacrifices and contributions made by Americans during World War II are remembered and honored. It also highlights the county's dedication to educating future generations about this significant chapter in history.

As a World War II Heritage City, Bedford County will continue to serve as a destination for visitors seeking to learn about the important role the county played in the war. This designation will also bring increased attention and recognition to the county, further bolstering tourism and economic development opportunities.

The National Park Service's recognition of Bedford County as a World War II Heritage City not only acknowledges the county's past, but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of World War II for generations to come.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://morgangriffith.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402988