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National D-Day Musuem

© Westley Annis

As you walk into the room it looks as though you are peering through a periscope. Within your site are the beaches of Normandy, France. All is quiet as you view the sands to your left and right.

You are experiencing the sites and sounds of the Allied invasion on the beaches of Normandy. This operation, formally known as Operation Overlord, is popularly known as D-Day.

"Soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force: You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere re with you..."

With these words spoken on June 6, 1944, United States General Dwight D. Eisenhower led the largest invasion ever with over 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and 250,000 service men.

In one day, the Allied Forces suffered 9,758 casualties; 6,603 Americans were dead.

Fifty-six years later, you can relive the experiences of those brave men and women at the Grand Opening of the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans, LA.

Experience the intelligence briefings given to General Eisenhower in the hours leading to the final decision to embark. Hear the stories of men and women who fought in that battle and returned home to tell about it.

Saturday, June 3, will begin the opening ceremonies of the National D-Day Museum with a WWI Reenactment and Living History Encampment from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM followed by a USO Swing Dance from 8:00 PM - Midnight.

Sunday, June 4 will feature International Naval Visits at Woldenberg Park during the day and a candlelit presentation in Jackson Square at 8:30 PM.

Monday, June 5 will have a Lecture and Panel Discussion with World War II Veterans moderated by Stephen Ambrose at the Eisenhower Center, from 9:30 AM - 4:00 Pm with a break for lunch.

Tuesday, June 6 will launch the official opening featuring a Military Parade down the streets of New Orleans to the New Orleans Arena, followed by a Grand opening Celebration, and the actual opening of doors. The parade will start at 10:00 AM, with the celebration to start at 12:00 PM, and the doors to open at 2:00 PM - Midnight.

The National D-Day Museum Foundation has invited a large number of guests and dignitaries, such as actor Tom Hanks, director Steven Spielberg, US Secretary of Defense William Cohen, the defense leaders of the member nations of NATO, and others.

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