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Day Five When you visit the powerful National D Day Memorial you can begin to feel the might of the forces involved as you approach the massive granite-clad Operation Overlord Monument. Don’t think for a minute that this is any ordinary monument. By the time you have explored the whole presentation, you’ll realize that the monument has not only memorialized the soldiers who fought in this famous World War II battle, but has also taught you about how the battle occurred and how it felt. Strategically placed water “bullets” zing past the sculptured soldiers leaving the watercraft and more soldiers can be seen just barely reaching the top of the precipice over which they had to climb to reach their goal on Omaha Beach. For those not familiar with the battle, this is a great piece of living history. For those who are, you can see and feel the action. Leaving Bedford, it’s a short drive to Forest, Virginia to visit Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. Wrenched from near ruin in 1984, Poplar Forest was the country retreat that Thomas Jefferson built in 1806 and used to escape the constant guests and hospitality of Monticello. Jefferson’s writings reveal his pleasure in the quality of the design of his octagonal retreat. “When finished, it will be the best dwelling house in the state, except that of Monticello; perhaps preferable to that as more proportioned to the faculties of a private citizen.” It was a place where Jefferson got to play with his grandchildren, read in his study and relax in the mountain air without the trappings of a statesman. As the house deteriorated, passing through multiple ownerships, the 4,800 acres that Jefferson amassed gave way to local subdivisions. Today, with the restorations nearly complete, you can see how Jefferson lived at Poplar Forest and explore the artifacts that have been uncovered right around the house. From there we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. |