In Memory of the Bedford Boys
My home town of Bedford Va. had a population of about 3200 people in 1944.
As money was tight after the depression many men at the time would join the National Guard to earn some extra money, and when the war broke out their unit was activated, they were part of Co A, 116 Inf. Regiment, 29 Div. They were part of the first wave to hit Omaha Beach, out of the 34 men from Bedford 19 were lost on D-Day, . they became known as the "Bedford Boys". Our town suffered the highest per capita loss of any community in the country. Everyone knew one or more of the families that lost their loved ones that day. Their sacrifice is why I have the their insignia as my avatar, as tribute to their courage and sacrifice that day. I hope to visit Normandy and Omaha Beach at some point in my lifetime to pay tribute to those men but for now I bow my head in prayer.
I highly recommend that if you ever have a chance to visit the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford Va. that you do so, it is a very humbling and memorable experience.