3) The National D-Day Memorial (Bedford, Virginia)
Located near the nation’s capital, The National D-Day Memorial was a congressionally-approved and funded national war memorial honoring the American GIs who bravely stormed Normandy Beach on June 6, 1944. Dedicated in 2001 by George W. Bush, this monument receives over 100,000 visitors a year—but don’t let that scare you away! Conceived by Roanoke native and D-Day Veteran Robert Slaughter, the monument remembers those who gave their lives that horrific day. Unfortunately, due to budget concerns, the monument is in trouble. In 1996, the memorial foundation announced its plans for a $12 million dollar memorial and education center. But in 2001, the debt skyrocketed to a whopping $25 million dollars. Local citizens are furious that the center has still not yet been built, thinking their taxpayer money has been wasted. Visits to the memorial now require a mandatory donation—but a monetary contribution is a small price to pay to keep this memorial thriving. Pack a picnic and head to the National D-Day Memorial for a humbling, yet educational, stop on your memorial road trip.