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Release - 60th Anniversray Commemoration |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hallema S. Clyburn 504-558-1785; Hallema@theehrhardtgroup.com
Stephen Schulkens 504-558-1812; steve@theehrhardtgroup.com
THE NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM BEGINS YEARLONG COMMEMORATION OF THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF EVENTS LEADING TO THE END OF WWII
NEW ORLEANS – Feb. 7, 2005 – Beginning with a Feb. 23 commemoration of the American flagraising at Iwo Jima, The National D-Day Museum presents a yearlong focus on the pivotal events leading to the end of World War II. National and international audiences will turn their attention to the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of America’s greatest war, and honor those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for peace and freedom around the world.
America’s National World War II Museum will host a number of major events to observe the 60th anniversary of the war’s end, including an international conference on World War II, the debut of a traveling exhibit of renowned WWII photography by the Associated Press and commemorations of V-E and V-J Days.
2005 also marks the fifth anniversary of The National D-Day Museum, which opened June 6, 2000, on the 56th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy.
“The National D-Day Museum promotes the exploration and expression of basic American core values by future generations and honors the men and women who fought for democracy and freedom during World War II,” said Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, President and CEO of the Museum. “As America’s World War II Museum, it’s our responsibility to ensure that the world remembers the pivotal events that led to the end of World War II and that these important recollections are passed from generation to generation.
2005 MAJOR EVENTS PLANNED AT THE NATIONAL
D-DAY MUSEUM
IWO JIMA: The Bloodiest Battle in Marine Corps
History
Feb. 23, 2005
Approximately 70,000 American and 22,000 Japanese troops began a monthlong battle for an uninhabitable island in the Pacific Ocean. It was one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history with more than 6,000 troops killed and 20,000 wounded. Visitors to the National D-Day Museum will relive the Pacific battle through lectures on Iwo Jima, as well as a new special exhibit featuring special military memorabilia from Iwo Jima. American veterans will be present to offer first-hand accounts of the famous battle.
MEMORIES OF WWII: Photographs from
the Archives of the Associated Press
March 13, 2005 – May 8, 2005
The Museum will host an exhibition of more than 100 World War II photographs from the archives of the Associated Press. The exhibit covers all American theaters of World War II, including the homefront. The images, never before presented in one exhibit, will make their traveling debut at the National D-Day Museum in New Orleans. Some of the dramatic photos were published only once, and many have described the pictures as some of the most moving images from all the war. The AP is the world's oldest and largest newsgathering organization, serving 15,000 media outlets in more than 120 countries.
V-E DAY: Germany’s Surrender
May 7& 8, 2005
On May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered, and May 8th was declared V-E Day (Victory in Europe). On Saturday, May 7th, during regular Museum hours, there will be wide-ranging activities including special exhibits, photographs, and interviews with World War II veterans. As part of its Countdown to Victory Signature Event Series, the Museum will hold a Saturday night Victory in Europe Day Dance, Dancin’ in the Streets, and an elegant, Sunday afternoon Mother’s Day tea, Hats off to Mom.
FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUSEUM
Five Years of Spirit and Remembrance
June 6, 2005
The spotlight will be on New Orleans and The National D-Day Museum on June 6 as it marks its fifth anniversary and salutes the Allies’ invasion of Europe. “A Night with the Allies,” a formal evening function to be held Saturday, June 4th at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, will bring the international community together for a tribute to the remarkable spirit of unity and commitment embodied by the Allied nations that made victory possible. The Museum expects local, national and international members of the diplomatic corps to represent the Allies. Prominent local and national political, business and community leaders are also scheduled to attend this anniversary extravaganza.
V-J DAY: The Surrender of Japan
Aug. 13, 2005
On Aug. 15, 1945, the Allies announced the unconditional surrender of the Japanese forces. The profound and dramatic defeat of the final Axis force sparked worldwide celebration. To commemorate these events, the Museum will host activities for adults and children, featuring military encampments with re-enactors demonstrating the weaponry and uniforms from the Pacific theater. Research Historian Martin K.A. Morgan will recount the intimate details of the last days of the war in the Pacific and the celebrations that took place as news of the Allies’ victory spread around the globe. On Saturday, August 13th; 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. - The National D-Day Museum's Countdown to Victory Signature Event Series presents "Island Treasures & Tropical Pleasures: A VJ Day Celebration".
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WORLD WAR II
A Gathering of Knowledge and Perspective
Oct. 5 – 9, 2005
The Museum will host the its Inaugural International Conference on World War II, with the theme, “World War II – The War that Changed the World.” The conference goal is to advance the knowledge of WWII and its significance for America and the world. The four-day colloquium will bring together internationally known historians, journalists, veterans, members of the media, filmmakers, authors and scholars from America’s allies, as well as parties from the Axis Powers to discuss the War from the battlefronts to the home fronts. Scheduled to speak are such notables as General Paul Tibbets, Senator George McGovern and Andy Rooney of CBS 60 Minutes, among many others. The conference will address a variety of topics such as “The United States and Its Strategic and Operational Conduct of WWII” and “Strategic Importance of Oil in WWII,” along other subjects to be announced at a later date. The conference will be held at The National D-Day Museum and nearby venues, including the Hilton Hotel - Riverside in New Orleans.
The National D-Day Museum is the congressionally designated National World War II Museum, in recognition of its mission for the preservation and interpretation of artifacts, documents and history as well as the education of American people about experience in combat and on the home front during the World War II years. The Museum, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary on June 6, 2005, has an active membership of 100,000 nationwide and has attracted more than 1.3 million visitors to its exhibits.
For more information on 60th anniversary events, contact Hallema Sharif Clyburn at Hallema@theehrhardtgroup.com or Steve Schulkens at steve@theehrhardtgroup.com.
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