BEDFORD - The legacy of D-Day veterans was extolled repeatedly Sunday as thousands gathered here to observe the 60th anniversary of the Allied invasion of France in World War II.

Planners had predicted that about 8,000 people would attend the observance at the National D-Day Memorial, which formally opened three years ago. An estimated 3,000 had assembled by the time the ceremony started at 11 a.m. The harmony from the U.S. Navy Band and Sea Chanters drifted across the pond as veterans, their families and friends strolled the memorial's grounds snapping pictures, videotaping speeches and shaking hands with their heroes.

Overcast skies forced a cancellation of a military flyover but added to the solemnness of the day in which D-Day veterans were applauded and former President Ronald Reagan was lauded.

For Charles Chibitty, 81, the observance was another chance to introduce himself as "the last surviving Comanche code talker."

"I was at Utah Beach. I didn't see you; where were you?" he asked Fred Seville, 92, of Hagerstown, Md.

The two talked as a line of people seeking Chibitty's autograph formed behind Seville's wheelchair.

Chibitty and Seville exchanged war stories, and Seville talked about the time that he was in England, hit a wet spot on the road and rolled the jeep over. Nobody was hurt.

Chibitty recited military codes in Comanche.

"Out!" he yelled before translating into English.

Shaking Seville's hand, Chibitty said, "you are a hero."

"Thank you for what you did. You are my hero," Seville replied.

Chibitty, who lives in Tulsa, Okla., was a special guest at the memorial. He and 16 other Comanche Indians are credited with saving the lives of countless Allies by translating Army messages in their native languages so enemy code breakers couldn't intercept them.

People stood in line to get Chibitty to sign their books, bookmarks, posters and programs from the observance. Many said they just wanted to thank him.

He is teaching his grandson, Joe Martinez, the codes as they visit memorials and powwows.

"He's a real honored and respected elder," Martinez said of Chibitty, but he also likes to joke.

On coming to Bedford in an airplane, Chibitty told his grandson, "Indians weren't meant to fly that high."

After a woman thanked him for his war contributions, Chibitty replied, "White men are crazy when they all start fighting each other."

In recognizing the contributions made on D-Day, U.S. Sen. George Allen said lessons from those who stormed the beaches of Normandy are inspiring and make us remember that there are times when sacrifices are needed.

"Your legacy will be motivation for future generations," he told veterans.

The Republican called the two-term president who died Saturday "the greatest president of the 21st century," adding that Reagan was guided by principle, and that the United States is more prosperous because of his administration.

People came from all over Virginia and several other states for the observance.

Terry VanPatten drove from Elkton to videotape the ceremony to send to her father in upstate New York.

VanPatten said her father, William Warren, 81, was with the 5th Rangers and has visited the D-Day Memorial twice.

The observance spilled over to the Olde Liberty Station, a restaurant that is closed Sundays except for Mother's Day and Father's Day.

Owner Harry Leist said he only opened at the request of Roy Stevens, a D-Day veteran from Bedford. The lunch crowd included the monthly outing of the Callands Red Hat Travelers, a group of women from the Danville area who attended the ceremonies at the D-Day Memorial to honor the services of their fathers, husbands, brothers and sons.

"I cried when I walked up there. It is very impressive," said Sarah Brite, a "military brat" who was making her first trip to the memorial in Bedford.