D-Day Memorial To Undergo Expansion In Near Future

The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia announced multiple new expansions in August, which will be completed in two phases.

The new renovation projects include a motor pool and an amphitheater. A new trail called the Ridgway-Deming Walking Trail was also included, which was completed and opened on the 79th anniversary of D-Day.

The President and CEO of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, April Cheek-Messier, said “The motor pool will serve as an educational tool with one-of-a-kind artifacts.”

According to Cheek-Messier the motor pool will complement the existing monuments. In an effort to underline the role of a mechanized army in World War II, some exhibits will feature restored vehicles from that time, which were donated to the memorial by Lee Holland. The John and Doris Fowler Family Motor Pool is named after Doris Fowler, a charitable supporter of the memorial, and her late husband, John.

The added motor pool, which will be modeled after those from the 1940s, will serve as an indoor museum and event space for visitors to experience the new collection of historical vehicles and artifacts. It will also have a balcony that overlooks the planned amphitheater. According to the website, the motor pool “will include a library and conference room, temporary office space, and exhibit areas for the ever-growing artifact collection at the memorial.”

According to Cheek-Messier, the motor pool will add to the educational programs provided by the memorial. As such, virtual and augmented reality alongside interactive exhibits will be part of the motor pool to appeal to younger visitors. Additionally, the motor pool will be near the existing structures beside the memorial. 

The Robins Amphitheater, named after E. Claiborne and Mary Ellen Robins, will seat approximately 700 people and includes a covered stage. Once the amphitheater is constructed, Cheek-Messier plans to increase the new amphitheater’s number of seats to provide space for 1,500 guests.

The addition of the amphitheater will better accommodate large groups and events that honor veterans.  These events include military reunions and commissions, ceremonies, concerts and community events. Unlike the motor pool, the amphitheater will be located away from the main monument.

The expansions aim to serve a wider area in a better way through adding more opportunities for visitors to learn the stories and legacies of those who served in World War II. The increased focus on educational programming enables more generations to accurately pass down this important history.

Cheek-Messier said these expansions will function “to honor veterans — past, present and future — exposing the memorial and its history to new audiences and allowing the monument to serve even larger audiences in the region and beyond.”

Completion dates for the motor pool and amphitheater are not certain. Cheek-Messier said the renovation projects’ completion dates are contingent on the memorial’s fundraising efforts.  However, Cheek-Messier said she hopes the motor pool and amphitheater will be finished in five years.

The National D-Day Memorial continues to accept donations as they get close to securing enough funds for the Robins Amphitheater and building momentum on the John and Doris Fowler Family Motor Pool.

For more information and to donate, visit: www.dday.org/give/future-expansion.

Davis is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.