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Veterans Day events scheduled at National WWII Museum
World War II veterans will be the center of attention at the National WII Museum in New Orleans this coming Wednesday. A full schedule of events has been posted on the museum's website, and highlights include the dedication of the Normandy Liberty Bell and a presentation of French chest badges to honored WWII veterans.
The National WWII Museum, which opened on the 56th anniversary of the Normandy invasion in 2000, was the vision of Dr. Stephen Ambrose, founder of The National World War II Museum Foundation. It is the only museum that features exhibits related to all WWII amphibious invasions, also known as "D-Days." Dr. Ambrose chose New Orleans because of the city's connection to WWII: it was in New Orleans that a man named Andrew Higgins constructed the landing craft vessel that was used extensively by the Allies during WWII amphibious assaults.
The National WWII Museum's mission is to honor the valiant efforts of WWII and to "tell the story of the American Experience" during the WWII-era - "why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today."
For the veterans who served during WWII, the museum is the perfect place to spend this Veterans Day. Wednesday's events will begin at 9 am, when the museum opens, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the local de LaSalle High School Color Guard. A U.S. Navy Chaplin will oversee the invocation, and the President and CEO of the museum, Dr. Gordon Mueller, will give a welcome speech to all in attendance. Several representatives of the French military, including the Consul General of France and the Admiral Brac de la Perriere, will also be present.
Perhaps the most exciting event of the day will be the dedication of the Normandy Liberty Bell. The bell is a replica of the Liberty Bell, which is on display in Philadelphia. The Normandy Liberty Bell was created for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, and was rung on the beach of Normandy for the first time on June 6, 2004. It traveled to the United States the following year. Following the bell's presentation, Admiral Brac de la Perriere will gift several WWII veterans with French chest badges.
Surviving WWII veterans are an important part of our nation's history. Unfortunately, these individuals are also at great risk of developing an asbestos-related illness known as mesothelioma cancer. WWII vets - especially those who served on board naval ships - faced asbestos exposure during their time in the service, and as a result, many suffer from a related disease later in life. Mesothelioma can lie dormant inside the body for up to fifty years, and the average newly-diagnosed patient is in their late sixties or early seventies. Because there is no cure, only palliative mesothelioma treatment options are available.
For more information about Wednesday's events at the National WWII Museum, please call 504-527-6012.