Each year, we commemorate D-Day, calling to mind the men who landed on the beaches in Normandy and American experiences all over the world upon learning about the actions of the day.
We commemorate D-Day each year to recall the brave men who changed the course of world history on June 6, 1944. This year, as part of our daylong program of events, we'll feature an 11:00 a.m. commemoration ceremony at which WWII veterans will be honored for their service with French Legion of Honor medals. Additionally, we'll offer visitors the opportunity to climb aboard our Higgins boat, as well as many other opportunities throughout the day to learn about D-Day.
June 6 also marks the Museum's 17th birthday! Come enjoy a cupcake as the Victory Belles sing Happy Birthday.
Throughout the day— 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Higgins Boat Tours
Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, Level 1
Visitors will be afforded the extremely rare opportunity to board the Museum LCVP, or Higgins Boat, as a curator explains the craft's role in the D-Day invasion. Reenactors from the USS Alabama interact with visitors inside the boat.
D-Day Remembered
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Experience the news of D-Day as those on the Home Front did through newsreels and film footage of the day.
Hands-On History
Outside Campaigns of Courage Pavilion
Curators exhibit uniforms and equipment used by American and German soldiers during World War II. Visitors are able to pick up and try on original and reproduction helmets, uniforms, boots, packs, and other personal equipment.
Living History Corps and Artifacts from the War in Europe
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Museum artifacts are on display as WWII reenactors wearing the uniforms and carrying the equipment of both the Allied and Axis forces.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Victory Belles
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
The Victory Belles perform a selection of war-era songs.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Ceremony commemorates the 73rd anniversary of D-Day and a Legion of Honor presentation to WWII veterans.
12:00 p.m.
The National WWII Museum's 17th Anniversary
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Enjoy a cupcake after our Victory Belles sing Happy Birthday.
Can't make it to the Museum? Watch the events live.
For more information, call 504-528-1944 x 463.
The Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Endowment ensures that Dr. Baumgarten’s legacy will live on in perpetuity and helps the Museum fulfill its mission to educate future generations about the events of World War II and its lasting impacts.
The Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Endowment is made possible by the generous gift of Karen and Leopold Sher.
For the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, honor the men and women who helped to liberate a continent. Sail from Hamburg aboard Seabourn Ovation on May 29, 2024, with world-renowned historians and a custom itinerary emphasizing the land, sea, and air campaigns of World War II. Stand where history was made in Normandy for an unforgettable 80th anniversary ceremony on June 6th, 2024.
Each year, our D-Day commemoration celebrates the Museum’s birthday but also calls to remember the men who landed on the beaches in Normandy, and Americans’ responses all around the world upon learning about the actions of that day.
The National WWII Museum’s most popular tour provides an in-depth itinerary exploring America’s most famous WWII battle.
For more information, visit the official tour page.
Tour pricing does not include airfare.
Questions? Call our travel experts at 877-813-3329 x 257.
By clicking “Complete My Order” you will pay a $1,000 deposit per person and are officially registering for this tour, however you are NOT paid in full. A representative from our Travel Team will contact you by mail with tour details, a statement of your account (including your online deposit) and payment schedule for this tour. The balance of your registration fees is due no later than June 23, 2017. Our tours fill fast, so please pay in full by this date to ensure your spot.
Our cancellation policies are strictly enforced, and we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. Please contact the Travel Department toll free at 1.877.813.3329 x 257 to request a quote from our insurance partner, TravelSafe. Many travel insurance policies will waive pre-existing conditions for travelers purchasing insurance within 21 days of booking a tour. Contact the Travel Department toll free at 1.877.813.3329x 257 or email travel@nationalww2museum.org to request a quote.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Saving Private Ryan, The National WWII Museum’s Institute for the Study of War and Democracy is proud to host a one-day symposium featuring D-Day scholars, film historians, and production insiders.
In the summer of 1998, moviegoers witnessed the closest thing to the horrors faced on Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasions on June 6, 1944. In its opening 30 minutes, Saving Private Ryan brought to life the terror of that day, as the ramps of countless Higgins boats dropped to launch what proved to be the most important battle of the 20th century.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this monumental motion picture, The National WWII Museum’s Institute for the Study of War and Democracy is proud to host a one-day symposium featuring D-Day scholars, film historians, and production insiders. Panel sessions will include conversations about the historical foundation and accuracy of the film, behind-the-scenes views of the making of the movie, how D-Day has been portrayed in other films since the war, and the lasting legacy that Saving Private Ryan has had beyond its awards and box-office receipts.
Registration Fee:
$199 Members | $249 Nonmembers
Optional Post-Symposium Speakers Reception and Dinner:
Additional Cost of $125