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Seal of the Governor
For Immediate Release: June 17, 2023
Contacts: Office of the Governor:Peter Finocchio, Peter.finocchio@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Glenn Youngkin Visits the American Cemetery in Normandy and Lays a Wreath for Fallen Heroes

Governor Glenn Youngkin visits the American Cemetery in Normandy, June 17, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

NORMANDY, FRANCE – Governor Glenn Youngkin today toured Pointe Du Hoc and the American Cemetery in Normandy, France after the 79th anniversary of D-day on June 6th. The Governor laid a wreath to pay formal respects to the lives lost in World War II, honoring the legacy of American service. 

“It was a profound honor to visit the hallowed grounds of the American Cemetery in Normandy, coming face-to-face with the inescapable truth that freedom is never free,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “On behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Bedford Boys and all Virginia service members who gave their lives in the name of freedom and in the defense of liberty.”  

On June 6th, the Governor delivered remarks at the 79th anniversary of D-day in Bedford County to honor the service and sacrifice of Virginia’s military heroes. Bedford, Virginia is home to the ‘Bedford Boys,’ thirty-five men from the same town who fought on D-Day, 19 of whom lost their lives. 
 

Governor Glenn Youngkin lays wreath at the American Cemetery in Normandy, June 17, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Governor Glenn Youngkin kneels at gravesite at the American Cemetery in Normandy, June 17, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Governor Glenn Youngkin visits gravesites at the American Cemetery in Normandy, June 17, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Governor Glenn Youngkin participates in wreath laying ceremony at the American Cemetery in Normandy, June 17, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.
 

Governor Glenn Youngkin visits grave of Virginia serviceman at the American Cemetery in Normandy, June 17, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Governor Glenn Youngkin views D-Day map at the American Cemetery in Normandy, June 17, 2023. Official Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin.

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