The amphibious invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 was one of the most widely celebrated and costly Allied victories of World War II. To honor this significant blow in the battle against totalitarianism and New Orleans important role in that success, The D-Day Museum was founded in 2000. In accordance with a Congressional designation, the Museum became the National World War II Museum in 2005.

Known by many as Higgins boats, the flat-bottom LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) were just what the Allies needed to get men and supplies ashore on the shallow beaches. Higgins Industries in New Orleans not only designed the boats but they produced nearly 20,000 LCVPs and other vessels for the Allies during the war. Dwight Eisenhower himself told historian and Museum founder Stephen Ambrose that Andrew Jackson Higgins was “the man who won the war”.

On June 6 and 7, 2009, the Museum will not only commemorate the extreme Allied sacrifice that made victory at Normandy possible, but the Museum’s own 9th anniversary and connection to the invasion.

Are you a WWII veteran who plans on visiting for June 6, 2009? Click here for more information.

Schedule of Events -

9:00 am 5:00 pm 
The National World War II Museum’s newest and largest changing exhibition, June 1944: One Month in the War that Changed the World goes beyond June 6 to highlight many of the other milestones occurring that same month. Saipan, Imphal, the Phillipine Sea, Kohima, the liberation of Rome and the signing of the GI Bill are only a few of the events that would shape the war and our nation. Touch screens, personal stories and a collection of artifacts never before exhibited in one place are all utilized to tell the story of the month that marked the beginning of the end for a world at war.

9:00 am 4:00 pm                                                                                                                                        Exciting displays of large artifacts that contributed to an Allied victory, such as
Sherman tank, halftrack, jeeps, etc.

9:00 am 4:00 pm 
Living History Corps - WWII re-enactors, who wear the uniforms and carry the equipment of both the Allied and Axis forces, sharing their knowledge about the day-to-day lives of military men and women and the broader lessons of WWII. They will be joined by WWII re-enactors from throughout Louisiana and the Gulf South.

9:00 am 4:00 pm                                                                                                                                      Information tables staffed by the Alliance Francaise

9:30 am 4:00 pm                                                                                                                                   Historical fun for the entire family, including activities such as Higgins boat-building, Airborne activities, and parachute making

10:00 am 10:30 am                                                                                                                                          First-person briefing on June 6, 1944

10:30 am 10:50 am 
The American Belles singing patriotic and WWII-era music

11:00 am 5:00 pm  
A Taste of the American Sector Festival food by award-winning Chef John Besh will be available for purchase.

11:00 am 11:30 am  
Special ceremony to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of D-Day Normandy and the 9th anniversary of The National World War II Museum

11:40 pm 12:00 pm 
Imagine yourself on the battlefield with WWII blank fire weapons demonstrations

12:00 pm 1:30 pm 
Panel Discussion “Where Were You on June 6th?”  - listen to the actual stories and remembrances of several veterans who participated in the Normandy invasion

2:00 pm 3:30 pm 
“A Gathering of the Greatest Generation” a special tribute where WWII veterans present from throughout the United States will be honored

4:00 pm 4:30 pm 
The American Belles singing patriotic and WWII music

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