NEW ORLEANS (October 21, 2013) — As Veterans Day nears on November 11, The National WWII Museum is reminding Americans to reach out to veterans and say "Thank You for My Freedom" with the institution’s social media campaign centered around the website www.myveteransday.org. There, users can post videos, photos and messages expressing their gratitude to military veterans of all ages.
The effort stems from a heartfelt video created two years ago that went viral and remains a popular feature on the Museum’s website. So far, more than 326,606 “thank you” messages have been received from all parts of the nation. The effort taps the interactive powers of YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. To upload photographs and videos and see what others have done, visit www.myveteransday.org.
"Thank You For My Freedom is a great way for Americans to thank our servicemen and women," said Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, President and CEO of The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. "We are so grateful for all our veterans — from those representing the Greatest Generation, to younger vets from Iraq and Afghanistan, and all others who have served their nation so well and bravely."
"Thank You for My Freedom" is one more innovative way the Museum is using digital media to educate Americans about the history of WWII and the important role of America’s military. Beginning with interviews conducted by the Museum’s founder, the late Stephen Ambrose, the institution has built a collection of more than 7,000 oral histories gathered from WWII veterans. The Museum’s newest exhibition hall, the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, makes heavy use of interactive computer graphics and video displays as it tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world.
Originally commemorated as Armistice Day, a day to honor all veterans of WWII, Veterans Day was signed into law on June 1, 1954. Traditionally, Veterans Day is observed with a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and community events across the nation.
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world — why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org. Follow us on Twitter at WWIImuseum or visit our Facebook fan page.