With Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Long in their number, a group of 32 WWII veterans arrived in New Orleans on the 76th anniversary of the attack that propelled the United States into World War II. These guests of the Gary Sinise Foundation Soaring Valor program, which included companions for each of the veterans, were welcomed to our campus on the evening of December 7, 2017, by the Museum’s Board of Trustees, and the groups shared an evening kickoff banquet in US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center. 

The next morning, the veterans were received at Founders Plaza by Museum staff members and volunteers—a cherished “heroes’ welcome” Soaring Valor tradition—then attended a screening of Beyond All Boundaries. Later, they would tour the Museum’s exhibits and galleries, and enjoy a Victory Belles performance. 

This Soaring Valor group came to New Orleans from the Veterans Home of California-Yountville, located in Napa Valley (watch their Sacramento send-off here). Thank you to the Gary Sinise Foundation, American Airlines and Envoy Air, the Tug McGraw Foundation, and the California Veterans Home for making this visit possible. Special thanks to the veterans for their service to the forces of freedom and liberty in World War II.