NEW ORLEANS (October 28, 2008)  – On Tuesday, November 11, 2008, The National World War II Museum will continue its annual tradition of special Veterans Day activities. In addition to day-long, patriotic programming for the entire family, the Museum is offering FREE admission for all veterans, active and retired military and their immediate families.

Activities will kick off with a 10:30 am performance by the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve Band.

At 11:00 am, the Museum will honor all veterans in a special program featuring Maj. General David Mize (USMC Ret), Gen. Charles E. Campbell, Commander of the U.S. Army Forces Command, and Museum President and CEO, Gordon “Nick” Mueller, Ph.D.

At 2:00 pm, the Museum will host a discussion led by Evan Hunsberger who spearheaded the republishing Strength for Service to God and Country, the devotional book, which was carried by his grandfather during World War II. Hunsberger took on this endeavor for his Eagle Scout project several years ago.  Larry Coppock, director of Strength for Service, will join Hunsberger for remarks on faith in the military and efforts to distribute the books today. This program will be followed by a panel discussion with the Eagle Scouts.

Throughout the day, the Museum will host displays by the American Legion, the Boy Scouts of America, the Reserve Officers Association and other service organizations.

Visitors will also be able to see the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless, the naval dive bomber that played a major role in the Pacific theater of World War II. This particular Dauntless, on loan from The National Museum of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, took part in Guadalcanal and other support actions before being assigned as a qualification plane stateside. The plane crashed in Lake Michigan during a training exercise, was recovered in 1990 and was fully restored by the Naval Aviation Museum.

All activities will take place in the Museum’s Louisiana Memorial Pavilion and are free to the public. Veterans Day activities are sponsored by The National World War II Museum and the Mayor’s Military Advisory Committee.
 
The National World War II 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 – so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.  Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as the nation’s official World War II 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 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org.
 
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