New Orleans (June 4, 2018)
WHAT: Join The National WWII Museum as the institution simultaneously commemorates the 74th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy and the 18th anniversary of its opening as The National D-Day Museum in 2000.
The Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony – made possible by a generous gift from Karen and Leopold Sher – will include a special presentation of the French Legion of Honor Medal to four WWII veterans. Featured commemoration speaker will be WWII veteran Bill Clark, President of The Naval Minewarfare Association.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 6, 2018
- 10:30 a.m. Victory Belles Performance
- 11:00 a.m. Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony & Program
- A special presentation of French Legion of Honor Medals
- Private John Allen, Jr.
- Staff Sergeant Frank T. Bostwick
- Technical Sgt. 5 Gerald C. Braud
- Private First Class Solomon Scott
- 12:00 p.m. Enjoy a cupcake in honor of the Museum’s 18th anniversary after the Victory Belles sing “Happy Birthday.”
WHERE: The National WWII Museum, US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
ALL-DAY (9 a.m. - 5p.m.):
- Higgins Boat Tours – Louisiana Memorial Pavilion; Visitors will be afforded the extremely rare opportunity to board the Museum LCVP, or Higgins Boat, as a curator explains the craft’s role in the D-Day invasion. Reenactors from the USS Alabama interact with visitors inside the boat.
- Hands-On History – Outside Campaigns of Courage Pavilion; Curators will exhibit uniforms and equipment used by American and German soldiers during World War II. Visitors will be able to pick up and try on original and reproduction helmets, uniforms, boots, packs and other personal equipment.
- Living History Corps and Artifacts from the War in Europe – Founders Plaza; Museum artifacts will be on display as WWII reenactors wearing the uniforms and carrying the equipment of both the Allied and Axis forces.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that future generations will know the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. The 2017 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards ranks the Museum No. 2 in the world and No. 2 in the nation. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.
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Media Contact:
Keith Darcey
Public Relations Manager
keith.darcey@nationalww2museum.org
o: 504.528.1944 x488 c: 504.250.2929