‘An Outstanding and Amazing Project’ NEW ORLEANS (June 16, 2010) – The National World War II Museum’s epic cinematic production Beyond Al...

The National World War II Museum is officially going to the
dogs (and horses, mules and birds!) with the newest exhibit Loyal Forces: The Animals of World
War II. On display July 22 – October 17, 2010, the exhibit focuses on the animals employed and
encountered throughout World War II, from the Home Front to the Pacific. Loyal Forces will explore
another side of the war, and demonstrate how lessons learned then continue to help us today in the
utilization of animals and their unique abilities.

No newsflash in modern history has ever been greeted with such overwhelming celebration as the announcement that Japan had surrendered, effectively ending World War II, a war that Americans thought would go on indefinitely. Of all the iconic images from that day, the one that still continues to embody the spirit of the nation was of one very famous kiss between a nurse and a sailor.

When Vernon J. Baker died on July 13, 2010, America lost another of the great heroes of World War II. “Vernon was an extraordinary soldier and an extraordinary American,” said Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, President and CEO of The National World War II Museum in New Orleans. “Over the years, he was an integral part of helping our Museum fulfill its mission to bring the history and values of World War II to all generations. It has been a privilege to know him and work with him.”

On August 14, 1945 the world learned that Japan had surrendered, effectively ending World War II, a war that Americans thought would go on indefinitely. No newsflash in modern history has ever been greeted with such overwhelming celebration. The iconic images of happy throngs holding up the newspapers that would go into countless scrapbooks and frames, the impromptu parades, hands in the air forming a “V” for victory, and the iconic images from Times-Square – including one very famous kiss between a nurse and a sailor.