The National WWII Museum marked the 74th anniversary of the Normandy invasion with a daylong schedule of events and activities highlighted by the Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony, which included a Legion of Honor presentation to WWII veterans and family members by New Orleans Consul General of France Vincent Sciama and a conversation between Museum Senior Historian Rob Citino and Bill Clark of the Naval Mine Warfare Association. Watch the ceremony below.
The ceremony was preceded by a performance by the Victory Belles (watch it here) and concluded with cupcakes to celebrate the Museum's 18th birthday.
Elsewhere on campus, visitors enjoyed our Living History Corps, Hands-on History activities, and a rare tour of our Higgins boat. The day concluded with a 20th anniversary screening of Saving Private Ryan.
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In Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, guests enjoyed the Museum's Living History Corps and Higgins boat, and met volunteer and WWII veteran Ralph Hopkins.
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Museum President & CEO Stephen J. Watson began the ceremony by recognizing the WWII veterans in attendance.
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New Orleans Consul General of France Vincent Sciama presented the Legion of Honor to WWII veterans and family members, and then raised a champagne toast to the honorees.
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Stephen J. Watson, Jeremy Soso, Rose Sher Soso (Karen and Leopold Sher's daughter and Dr. Baumgarten's granddaughter), Leopold Sher, Karen Sher, Rita Baumgarten (Dr. Baumgarten's wife), Bonnie Friedman (Karen Sher's sister and Dr. Baumgarten's daughter), Samantha Sher (Karen and Leopold's daughter and Dr. Baumgarten's granddaughter), Museum President & CEO Emeritus Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, PhD.
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