BEDFORD, Va. – The National D-Day Memorial celebrated Veterans Day with its annual commemoration, drawing hundreds of people to honor the men and women who served and sacrificed for the country. The event paid tribute not only to those who fought, but also to the lasting impact of veterans’ service on their communities.

The ceremony highlighted the many ways veterans continue to contribute after their military service in roles such as first responders, community leaders, teachers and volunteers.

Addressing the crowd, April Cheek-Messier, President and CEO of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, said: “Many of you have returned from your service only to continue serving as first responders, community service leaders, teachers, or volunteers in communities. You and your family, You gave of yourself in ways we can never repay, other than saying thank you.”

For 95-year-old Marine Corps veteran Daniel Villarial, the ceremony was a humbling experience. “This is a sacred place,” he said. “I have so many memories in the Marine Corps other than those who gave their lives for me to serve my country.”

The ceremony included a musical tribute honoring each branch of the military during the Armed Forces Confusion. Veterans stood while their branch’s anthem was played, reflecting the importance of that moment.

“Every time you hear the Marine Corps hymn being played, you will stand up and sing,” Villarial added. “And from then on, if I hear it, I will sing it.”

The event also featured guest speaker Mitchell Yockelson. Paratrooper Generals.

Yockelson shared the story of Father Francis Maternowski, who is believed to be the only U.S. priest killed on D-Day. Yockelson described how Maternowski proposed a joint hospital for both Allied and German forces on the outskirts of the city during the Normandy invasion. “Maternowski suggested that both parties establish a joint hospital in a house outside the city. Think about this for a moment; It wasn’t as if he was just asking Americans for help,” Yockelson said.

The tribute to Father Maternowski was added to the Memorial Wall, bringing the total number of Allied soldiers killed during the Normandy invasion on June 6, 1944 to 4,427.

National D-Day Memorial Foundation Education Director John Long concluded the ceremony by honoring all veterans. “Veterans, we thank you on this special day because it is your day,” Long said.

The ceremony provided a powerful moment of reflection for veterans and the community; honored their sacrifices and contributions both during and after service.