The National D-Day Memorial will soon open with new exhibits to continue telling the tales of our warriors

Bedford, Virginia – If you went to the National D-Day Memorial on Sunday, you would have seen a big piece of equipment that is stored in thousands of WWII memories behind a brown tarp.

April Cheek-Messier, President and CEO of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, is calling this extension “Phase One,” and it includes a number of additional attractions for the D-Day memorial.

In addition to being a stunning monument that tells the D-Day tale, Cheek-Messier stated, “We also realize that over time, we have to look at new and different ways to share the story of D-Day and WWII with our visitors.”

The Higgins Boat, one of the few still in existence worldwide, is underneath the tarp. It is among the numerous WWII relics that were brought to the national memorial in Phase One.

The monument will construct the “Robins Amphitheater,” an amphitheater for events and military performances, as well as the “John and Doris Fowler Family Motor Pool,” a 1940s-style swimming pool that will house all of the unique antiques the memorial has to offer.

“I think it just means that we’re continuing to share the stories of our veterans,” Cheek-Messier said, “the more unique artifacts that we can bring for visitors to come back to over and over again and see all of these new additions.”

This enlargement serves as a means of preserving the memories of both living and deceased warriors, as well as the stories of those who have come and gone. It goes beyond a mere physical addition.

Cheek-Messier remarked, “We want them to know that this is the legacy that you’re leaving, that we’re going to make sure that your story is told long after they’re gone.”

Through the memorial, such tales will endure and be preserved for future generations.

According to Cheek-Messier, “The more we improve this lovely website and the more we can tell those stories in fresh and interesting ways, the more we know that those lessons are being passed on for the next generation to continue passing on to their kids and their grandkids.”

Cheek-Messier anticipates Phase One completion in five years. A brand-new welcome and education center will be added to the memorial during the second phase.

The memorial receives donations to fund these programs. To help honor some of our nation’s heroes, anyone interested in contributing to the expansion is encouraged to visit DDay.org.