We salute the sons of Virginia. 
Amen and 
RIP
Texas 

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Richard Dixon
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 11:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: June 6, 1944

In the assault on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, the landing craft in the first wave dropped men of Company A of the 116th infantry Regiment of the 29th Infantry Division. The 29th was made up of units of the National Guard from Virginia and Maryland. The 116th, descended from the Stonewall Brigade that fought at First Manassas, was from Virginia, and Company A was from Bedford. Few before had seen combat. When the men went into the chest high water, with their 60 pound packs, they were helpless before the withering German machine gun fire. In moments, there was no Able company.

Back in Bedford, it would be three weeks before the teletype machine started, “We have casualties…” Twenty-two of Bedford's sons had died, the highest percentage of any community in America.

Today, in perfect peace, the graveyard at Saint Laurent Sur-Mere stretches along the bluffs overlooking the landing beaches. Its precise rows of white tombstones record the names of 9,387 men who will never leave France. But we do not forget them, or the lives they gave.

--
Richard E. Dixon 12106 Beaver Creek Road Clifton, VA 20124
  The Virginia Presidents: A Travel and History Guide

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