This special Memorial Day ceremony officially recognizes the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.

The program begins at 11 a.m. Special music by Brass 5. The latest installment of veteran bricks will also be dedicated.

Keynote speaker is Alex Kershaw, journalist and a New York Times bestselling author of books on World War II including “The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-Day Sacrifice.” There will be a book signing following the ceremony for his newest release, “The First Wave: The D-Day Warriors Who Led the Way to Victory in World War II.” Books will be available for purchase in the Memorial’s gift store.

The Memorial will dedicate a brand new education Quonset hut named after long-time supporter Fleda Ring following the ceremony. The new pavilion is the third Q-hut building to be dedicated within the past two years. In keeping with the educational emphasis of the Memorial, these Quonset huts mimic Plymouth, England 1944 where the troops stayed prior to the Normandy invasion. Please join us as we dedicate this important new addition to the monument.

Admission is free until noon. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Guests are asked to bring their own chair. Call (540) 586-3329 or visit www.dday.org for more information.