Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

Several years ago as a reporter in Martinsville, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture by—and later interview—David Minter, the son of WWII veteran Philmore Minter, who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6.

Philmore brought back various mementos from the day, including a water-stained New Testament Bible issued by Starling Avenue Baptist Church, a four-leaf clover attached to his dog tags, and a silver dollar.

We’re taking a pause from our regular format today to share a piece with roots deep in the heart of Virginia: We’re honoring the story of our commonwealth’s sacrifice during World War II’s D-Day invasion—81 years ago today. Thank you to those who have served and those who are actively serving in our military; I’m so glad you’re here.

When many Americans think of D-Day, their minds leap to the beaches of Normandy, France—where Allies stormed ashore on June 6, 1944. 

The invasion launched Operation Overlord, the 12-week Battle of Normandy, which effectively turned the tide of World War II. But for one small town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the impact of that day reverberated far beyond the battlefield.

Bedford, Virginia—current population 7,800—might seem an unlikely place for a national memorial. Yet, situated just 30 miles west of Lynchburg, the National D-Day Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the town’s tragic distinction: Proportionally, no American community suffered a greater loss on D-Day than Bedford.

In 1944, Bedford’s population was around 3,200. Among them were between 30 and 35 young men who answered the call to serve—many as part of Company A, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division. These were the “Bedford Boys.” A staggering 19 of them were killed during the D-Day invasion, with four more dying later during the Normandy campaign. For a town of its size, the toll was devastating.

Each year, about 60,000 guests visit the memorial, learning the history of Operation Overlord and paying respect to those who fought in the battle. 

Today, we honor the Bedford Boys and all who fought and fell during the D-Day invasion. Their stories of bravery and sacrifice remain forever etched into the soul of the small mountain community—and beyond.

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Question of the Week: For me, cresting the hill to see the sculptural rendition of the beaches of Normandy at the National D-Day Memorial was an emotional experience; it gave me an even deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during WWII. If you’ve been, which portion of the memorial was the most moving to you? Write me a note at amie@couriernewsroom.com.

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has furloughed 471 workers in its Newport News Shipbuilding division. 

The move comes after a review of its salaried workforce and “business needs,” Todd Corillo, a spokesperson for HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division, said in a statement. About 26,000 people work at the Newport News shipyard in total. 

“This decision was not made lightly given its impact on affected team members,” Corillo noted. “We take this step, however, to increase accountability and efficiency, and to improve overall performance in meeting our current and future commitments to the US Navy.”

• Black history is American history—but earlier this year, the Trump administration shamelessly erased stories of sacrifice and courage of Black veterans from the Arlington National Cemetery website (WATCH HERE).

• Abigail Spanberger, a Virginia Democrat running for governor, helped a widow secure the military records and medals earned by her late husband and Vietnam War veteran, retired US Army Sergeant First Class Michael Spears. He was a Madison County resident and longtime member of VFW Post 1503 in Dale City (WATCH HERE).

• During a recent town hall with US Rep. Eugene Vindman, voters spoke up against vague promises. A Virginia veteran urged Democrats to fight against the Trump administration (WATCH HERE).

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