I had the great fortune of being one of the construction workers who built the National D Day Memorial in Bedford Virgina.
If you get the chance, please go visit.
Enter from the far side of the car entrance.
If as originally constructed, you will walk through an English garden which contains a bust of Ike and other military and political figures.
At various places were plaques for many of the US divisions that took part in the invasion.
Walk up a short set of steps to the 2nd level to a large open area.
When the sun is just right, the concrete surface seems to shimmer like water.
To the far left and right are temporary exhibits. The last time I was there they were a naval anchor and a small observation air plane.
Continue ahead and reach the pool.
There is piping beneath, emitting bursts of air simulating gunfire hitting the water.
On the far side of the pool are figures of soldiers lying on the beach.
Beyond them are the cliffs, a rope ladder leading to the top with soldiers climbing.
Climb the steps to either side, at the center of the cliffs is a soldiers grave: a rifle, bayonet stuck into the ground with a helmet on top and dog tags attached.
Arranged in a semi-circle around the top are the flags of every nation that contributed men or material to the invasion effort.
The memorial was built in middle of nowhere Bedford, Virginia because, as a percentage of population, no city, town or county lost as many sons, husbands and fathers as did Bedford.
Half a generation lost in the space of one day.
I remember the stories about this town and the reason for its poignant memorial. Thank you for this reply - I'll make it a destination if/when I get to that area in the future.