The annual Veterans Day Ceremony at Spotswood High School transformed historical remembrance into a deeply personal exploration of heroism. It focused on the extraordinary story of Company C and the local soldiers who participated in the pivotal D-Day invasion.
The ceremony centered on the June 6, 1944, Normandy landings, highlighting the profound impact of World War II on the Shenandoah Valley. Special attention was given to the Bedford, Virginia, soldiers and the local men of Company C who landed on Omaha Beach, facing devastating German resistance.
Of particular poignancy was the story of Bedford, a small town that lost nineteen men within moments of landing—more per capita than any other American community. The first four companies to hit Omaha Beach were comprised mainly of soldiers from Virginia: Company A from Bedford, Company B from Lynchburg, Company D from Roanoke, and Company C from Harrisonburg, forging a powerful connection between this historical moment and our local community.
Three Spotswood High School students—Kiernan, Rebeka, Amelia, and one Broadway High School student, Morgan—have undertaken an extraordinary project, "The Boys of Company C." Their work involves researching the lives of local soldiers, interviewing their descendants, and documenting experiences that might otherwise be lost to time.
The ceremony, rich with personal testimonies, music, and student presentations, was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices of young men who defended democracy. From General Eisenhower's inspirational pre-invasion speech to Lieutenant William E. Bryan's passionate letter about preserving military memorials, the event transformed historical facts into living memory. Lieutenant Bryan is also the father of Spotswood High School’s French teacher, Ms. Melinda Shiflet.
The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, championed by Sgt. Bob Slaughter, stands as a testament to this enduring commitment to remembrance—ensuring that the stories of courage, brotherhood, and ultimate sacrifice are never forgotten.
"I was honored to know Bob Slaughter and hear firsthand about his courageous service on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy," reflects Beau Dickenson, Supervisor of Social Studies for Rockingham County Public Schools. "His unwavering dedication to his fellow soldiers with establishing the national D-Day Memorial in Bedford inspired Spotswood High School students to create the film The Boys of Company C, preserving the powerful story of Harrisonburg's D-Day veterans."
