The National WW II Museum was built in New Orleans in 2000 and opened on D-Day, June 6, to honor the men who landed in Normandy in 1944. However, U.S. Congress named it America's Official National WWII Museum in 2004. The museum was founded by Museum President Dr. Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller and the late best-selling author Dr. Stephen Ambrose. It showcases what the war meant to Americans everywhere and what soldiers endured for their country. It presents the history of the war and its struggles as a reminder that freedom does not always come so quickly.
This June 6, a reception and a new documentary will be presented celebrating the National WW II Museum turning 23 and the 79th anniversary of D-Day in collaboration with WYES. The reception will start at 5:00 p.m., and the screening is set to follow at 6:00 p.m., both at Solomon Victory Theater.
Founded on Friendship & Freedom: The National WWII Museum is a film about how the two historians from the University of New Orleans and the founders of the museum worked to encourage support for the citizens who fought relentlessly for America and its freedom. The movie tells how the two gained support and preserved through trials to create a well-deserved honor for all the veterans and current soldiers who put their lives on the line.
The creators were long-time best friends who shared much throughout their academic and personal careers. The two studied the hardships and sacrifices that American soldiers went through and believed they should never be forgotten. The time they spent together eventually helped birth the idea of the National D-Day Museum, which was later named what it is today.
There will also be a commemoration on June 6 for D-Day soldiers from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Medal of Honor Recipient Lieutenant Michael E. Thornton will speak in honor of the late D-Day veteran and Museum friend Dr. Harold "Hal" Baumgarten.
Click here to register for Reel History: Founded on Friendship & Freedom: The National WWII Museum.
Click here to register for Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration.
Click here to watch the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration online.
