To the American town that suffered the highest per capita loss of soldiers on D-Day in Normandy in 1944 went The National D-Day Memorial. That American town is Bedford. Visit the Memorial this Wednesday, June 6, to commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day and dedicate a plaque bearing one additional name to the D-Day Memorial Wall.

Coxswain Amin Isbir, a member of the 6th Naval Beach Battalion, was reported killed in action on June 8, 1944.  His great nephew, Eric Montgomery questioned his date of death believing that he had been killed in action on D-Day, June 6, 1944.  Isbir’s commanding officer, Ensign Joe Vaghi, confirmed Montgomery’s suspicions.

Onboard  Coast Guard operated LCI-L 88, Amin and his Company C8 shipmates were being transported along with members of the 5th Engineers Special Brigade and 1st Infantry Division soldiers to the Easy Red One sector of Omaha Beach.  During the landing, the ship came under heavy fire, losing one of its two ramps along with a number of the soldiers from the Big Red One.  Once the surviving solders were unloaded, Beachmaster Vaghi and Isbir hit the sand.  As they were helping a wounded soldier onto a stretcher, a German railway gun from 5 miles away landed a shell onto the beach hurling a jeep high into the air.  The jeep landed on Isbir killing him instantly.  Ensign Vaghi was knocked unconscious from the blast.  Due to continued hostilities, Isbir’s body was not recovered until two days later and the Navy listed his date of death as June 8, 1944.   Isbir was posthumously awarded the French Croix de Guerre for bravery and the Purple Heart.

Isbir’s tombstone in the Normandy American Cemetery listed his date of death as June 8.  Since the Navy recorded his date of death as June 8, the National D-Day Memorial Foundation did not include him on the Memorial Wall after its initial research (as the Foundation only researched and recorded June 6 fatalities).  In 2009, 65 years after Isbir’s death, Montgomery was successful in getting the Normandy American Cemetery to replace the June 8 tombstone with a corrected one.  The plaque containing the addition of Isbir’s name will be officially dedicated to the Memorial Wall at the National D-Day Memorial during the D-Day commemoration ceremony. The National D-Day Memorial has confirmed 4,413 Allied fatalities on June 6. Of that number, 2,499 were Americans. The National D-Day Memorial Foundation is the only institution in the world to research the name of every soldier, sailor, airman, and coast guardsman killed on June 6, 1944.

During the ceremony, the Memorial will also recognize members of the 101st Airborne Division who are commemorating their 70th anniversary this year. The 101st will participate with an Honor Guard and with a wreath laying at the event.  Members of the 29th Infantry Division will also participate.  Special music will be provided by the Enduring Freedom Honor Team from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Tours will be provided throughout the day. Admission is free until noon. Regular admission fees apply after noon.  Guests are encouraged to bring a chair to the event.  Special seating and shade will be provided to World War II veterans.

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Information regarding Coxswain Amin Isbir courtesy of The National D-Day Memorial.

A three-day getaway is a rejuvenating way for your family to reconnect, and you can do just that while visiting the historic sites that honor America’s fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend in Virginia.

The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial) is dedicated to all Marines who've given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775. It is the largest cast-bronze statue in the world. Photo by Bill Crabtree, Jr.

Near the Arlington National Cemetery is the United States Marine Corps War Memorial. On summer Tuesday afternoons you’ll find the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps performing “The Commandant’s Own” and performing precision drills. This Sunset Parade is open to the public and free of charge.

Specialist Joseph L. Hull of the 3rd U.S. Infantry, also known as the Old Guard, maintains a faithful vigil at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by CameronDavidson@CameronDavidson.com.

Every conflict in which the United States has ever fought is represented by more than 200,000 veterans and their dependents who are laid to rest at the 612-acre Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery. A shrine to the thousands who have died in foreign wars and domestic to keep our country free. Established as a national cemetery in 1864 by Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, it was the ancestral home of Robert E. Lee. Photo by CameronDavidson@CameronDavidson.com.

The fife and drums corp of Colonial Williamsburg, led by Lance Pedigo. Photo by CameronDavidson@CameronDavidson.com.

Colonial Williamsburg is America’s largest living history museum, consisting of 301 acres and 88 original 18th-century buildings. Dine in one of the four taverns, browse The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, and of course, participate in the period activities.

Virginia War Memorial. Photo by Scott K. Brown.

 The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond includes the Shrine of Memory – a place to read more than 11,600 names of Virginia veterans who perished in war. The Memorial honors all veterans, but particularly those killed in World War II, Korean, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf Wars. Also see the Torch of Liberty eternal flame, a reflecting pool, rose garden, and more.

The National D-Day Memorial. Photo by Tony Hall.

Why is Bedford, Virginia the location of the National D-Day Memorial? The town that suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses became the home of the Memorial, and that was Bedford. The Memorial pays tribute to the Allied Forces who participated in the largest land, sea, and air military operation in history – the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park commemorates the heroic acts which took place in April of 1865. General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Court House to end the Civil War. Photo by CameronDavidson@CameronDavidson.com.

Take the walking tour of the grounds at Appomattox Court House. The buildings are original and have been restored to their original condition. The McLean House is the location where Generals Lee and Grant created and signed the terms of surrender for the Civil War.

Richmond National Cemetery. Photo by Bill Crabtree, Jr.

There are 15 national cemeteries in Virginia. Visit one and speak a simple thanks to those who paid the price for the freedom you enjoy.

>>  Memorial Day Events  <<

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Virginia is home to more Civil War sites than any other state, nearly 800 in total. History lovers come to Virginia to explore Civil War sites that stretch from the first major battles to the war’s end at Appomattox, and to explore the stories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things during the war.

Battle of New Market

To get as-near a Civil War experience as possible, attend a battle reenactment. It just so happens that several major reenactments are this weekend.

In Spotsylvania this weekend, your family can tour 1860s home life interpretive areas, listen to period music performed by the 2nd South Carolina String Band, gain knowledge of the battle and Virginia’s role from historians, buy Civil War souvenirs, and witness a reenactment of the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, the second major battle of General Ulysses S. Grant’s 1864 Overland Campaign. It’s Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20 at Spotsylvania Courthouse Village. $10/Adult; ages 15 and under are free.

Battle of Fort Pocahontas

One major battle that is reenacted annually is the Battle of New Market in the Shenandoah Valley. Also held this Saturday and Sunday, this event places an emphasis on the importance of the corps of cadets from Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The 300-acre battlefield comes to life again as nearly 2,000 reenactors play out the scenes on this 148th anniversary. In addition to the impressive battle scenarios, living history encampments educate attendees. Be sure to visit the Virginia Museum of the Civil War and see the Emmy award-winning “Field of Lost Shoes.” $10 for ages 10 and up; ages 9 and under are free.

For a unique point of view of the Civil War, attend the reenactment of the Battle at Fort Pocahontas in Charles City this weekend.  The United States Colored Troops built the earth fort as protection from Major Fitzhugh Lee’s approaching forces. The USCT were victorious in their May 24, 1864 stand. See this battle reenacted both Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20.

See other upcoming battle reenactments at www.Virginia.org/BattleReenactments/ or signature Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War and Emancipation events at www.Virginia.org/CivilWar150SpecialEvents/.

LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Virginia is for Lovers.
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Naval warfare forever changed when the USS Monitor met the CSS Virginia (formerly the USS Merrimack) in the Battle of Hampton Roads on March 9, 1862. It was the first meeting of two iron ships and ended in a draw, but more importantly, the event resonated worldwide and affected how nations waged war at sea.

March 9-11 is the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Hampton Roads weekend. History buffs will no doubt want to be immersed in the events that lie ahead, and it’ll be great fun for families, too!

March 10 and 11 at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News

• Ironclad BattleQuest - “Union and Confederate ‘spies’ will abound as families explore the encampment, uncover secrets about the USS Monitor AND CSS Virginia, hold audience with Abraham Lincoln, and experience Civil War food before reporting back to their ‘commanding officer.’”
• Encampment - Union and Confederate units * Sutlers * Period cooking (Saturday only)
• Re-Enactment Demonstrations - Infantry and bayonet drills * School of the Sailor * Artillery and Calvary demonstrations
• Indoors - Period crafts and activities * Costumed interpreters * Monitor Center Conservation Tours
• Interactive Vignettes and Scheduled Programs - Civil War Through Music * Uncommon Soldiers: Civil War Soldiers in Disguise * Sailor vs. Soldier Life * A Conversation with Mr. Lincoln * Civil War Oddities (Saturday only) * A Slave’s Perspective of the War (Sunday only)
• Civil War 150 HistoryMobile - Battlefront, Homefront, Journey to Freedom, and Loss-Gain-Legacy – these are the four presentations of the HistoryMobile. See the Civil War from different viewpoints and from the eyes of those who were involved.

March 10 at the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News

• 2nd Annual Battle of the Ironclad Chefs - It’s a cook-ff between a plantation cook and a Union cook on the deck of the USS Monitor! See them cook as they discuss their menu choices, ingredients, and cooking styles. At 6:30 p.m. the food will be judged to determine which chef will be crowned the 2012 Ironclad Chef. Don’t worry, you’ll get to sample!

All front lawn activities are free and open to the public. Ironclad BattleQuest, indoor activities, special presentations, and Battle of the Ironclad Chefs require Museum admission.

Adults: $12.00
AAA, Military, Seniors (65+): $11.00
Students 13 and up: $10.00
Children Ages 6 to 12: $7.00
Ages 5 and Under: Free

In addition to the special 150th Anniversary events, any trip to the Mariners Museum and The USS Monitor Center yields amazing up-close-and-personal experiences.

• Visit the Conservation Facility and get a front-row seat to see conservation of the USS Monitor in progress.*
• Walk down a mock deck to enter the CSS Virginia as she’s being built for battle.
• Build your own ironclad.
• Experience the battle yourself when you go into the Battle Theater.
• Walk on the deck of a full-scale ironclad reproduction.
• Go below deck to see the sailor’s quarters.
• Raise the turret with the NOAA and Navy crews in the Recovery Theater.

*The USS Monitor rests in the Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks of North Carolina in a protected sanctuary area, however, her screw propeller, anchor, and hundreds of other artifacts have been retrieved. The revolving gun turret, steam engine, and Dahlgren guns and carriage are visible from a viewing platform.

Learn more about the Civil War in Virginia.

Long hailed the “Mother of Presidents,” Virginia boasts three United States presidents who called the greater Charlottesville area home.

Capitalize on the proximity of three presidential estates – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland – and save money while doing it.

More than 50 exclusive offers are yours for the taking when you activate your Presidents Passport. Each offer was specifically chosen to ensure an authentic experience highlighting the best of the area. Expect to find savings from 10 to 30% off, as well as “buy one, get one” deals, and freebies with purchases. Below are a sample of the partners offering savings.

Accommodations

• Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast, Afton
• Comfort Inn and Suites, Orange
• Comfort Inn Monticello, Charlottesville
• Foxfield Inn, Charlottesville
• Holiday Inn Monticello, Charlottesville
• Inn at Court Square, Charlottesville
• Inn at Monticello, Charlottesville
• Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm, Charlottesville
• Inn at the Crossroads, North Garden
• Keswick Hall, Keswick
• Le Bleu Ridge Bed & Breakfast, Afton
• Omni Charlottesville Hotel, Charlottesville
• Orchard House Bed & Breakfast, Lovingston
• Rock-n-Creek Cabin, Montebello
• The Boar’s Head, Charlottesville
• The Clifton Inn, Charlottesville
• Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen

Wineries, Breweries, Dining & Shopping

• Buck Island Bay Decoys, Montebello
• Burnley Vineyards, Barboursville
• Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery, Nellysford
• Keswick Vineyards, Keswick
• Kilaurwen Winery, Stanardsville
• King Family Vineyards, Crozet
• Meg Chevalier Studio, Charlottesville
• Michie Tavern ca. 1784, Charlottesville
• Mountain Cove Vineyard, Lovingston
• Mountain Vision Pottery, Roseland
• Mud Dauber Pottery, Earlysville
• Nan Rothwell Pottery, Faber
• Saunders Brothers Orchard and Farm Market, Pitney River
• Stone Mountain Vineyards, Dyke
• The Glass Palette, Charlottesville
• The Light Well, Orange
• Tye River Pottery, Amherst
• White Hall Vineyards, White Hall
• Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Nellysford

If you want some insider info on navigating the area or taking advantage of other sites along the way, consider visiting the downtown Charlottesville visitor center. Those folks will be happy to give you a few tips!

Activate your Presidents Passport to begin saving and you’ll put LOVE and history at the heart of your Virginia vacation. Take the plan a step further and create a custom itinerary for yourself or to share with friends and family. Save the to-see’s and to-do’s for your passport and then map it all out. This is a new feature on Virginia.org and we’d love to hear what you think as you plan your Presidents Passport trip. Leave us a comment to let us know!