Kaine Urges National Park Service to Designate Town of Bedford as American World War II Heritage City

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine sent a letter to the National Park Service urging them to designate the Town of Bedford as an American World War II Heritage City. The American World War II Heritage City Program was created in 2019 and allows one designation per U.S. state or territory. Receiving this designation would acknowledge the Town of Bedford’s critical role during World War II and help ensure the town’s contributions are recognized for generations to come.

“The Town of Bedford demonstrates resilience, diversity, and a rich history, which is why it is an ideal candidate to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia,” wrote Kaine. “It is also home to the National D-Day Memorial that honors the nineteen soldiers, known as the ‘Bedford Boys,’ who fearlessly massed the shores of Normandy on the morning of June 6, 1944. The Town of Bedford not only honors the nineteen soldiers from Bedford, but the courageous servicemembers who risk their lives every day to protect Americans.”

“The Town of Bedford also approached the challenges from World War II with adaptability and strength. The community grew fruits and vegetables in large quantities for the armed forces. Volunteers led local war-clothing drives, along with parades and rallies to encourage the purchase of war bonds and war stamps. Although every American town was negatively impacted by the Second World War, Bedford maintained its steadfast commitment to helping those in need,” Kaine continued.

The full letter is available here and below.

Dear Director Sams:

I write to you to formally request that the Town of Bedford located in Bedford County, Virginia be designated as an American World War II Heritage City. The Town of Bedford demonstrates resilience, diversity, and a rich history, which is why it is an ideal candidate to represent the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Town of Bedford is centrally located between Roanoke and Lynchburg, and rests at the foot of the Peaks of Otter in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also home to the National D-Day Memorial that honors the nineteen soldiers, known as the “Bedford Boys,” who fearlessly massed the shores of Normandy on the morning of June 6, 1944. The Town of Bedford not only honors the nineteen soldiers from Bedford, but the courageous servicemembers who risk their lives every day to protect Americans.

The Town of Bedford also approached the challenges from World War II with adaptability and strength. The community grew fruits and vegetables in large quantities for the armed forces. Volunteers led local war-clothing drives, along with parades and rallies to encourage the purchase of war bonds and war stamps. Although every American town was negatively impacted by the Second World War, Bedford maintained its steadfast commitment to helping those in need.

I hope that you will give the Town of Bedford due consideration. […]

Sincerely,

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