D-Day 74th Anniversary and the Museum's 18th Birthday The National WWII Museum
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. This year, we feature WWII veteran Bill Clark, President of The Naval Minewarfare Association, during our commemoration ceremony. Additionally, visitors will have the chance to climb aboard our Higgins Boat along with many other opportunities throughout the day to learn about D-Day.
Programming
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Activities below will take place all day.
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 will interact with visitors inside the boat.
Hands-On History Outside Campaigns of Courage Pavilion: European and Pacific Theaters
Curators will exhibit uniforms and equipment used by American and German soldiers during World War II. Visitors can 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 Founders Plaza
Museum artifacts will be on display as WWII reenactors wear the uniforms and carry 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 will perform a selection of war-era songs.
11:00 a.m. – Noon
Dr. Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration Ceremony
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
This ceremony commemorates the 74th anniversary of D-Day and includes a Legion of Honor presentation to WWII veterans. The ceremony will also feature WWII veteran Bill Clark, President of The Naval Minewarfare Association.
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.
Noon
The National WWII Museum’s 18th Birthday
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Enjoy a cupcake after our Victory Belles sing “Happy Birthday.”
6:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Saving Private Ryan
Solomon Victory Theater
Join us for a screening of Saving Private Ryan to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its theatrical release. US Marine Corps veteran Dale Dye, who consulted for the film, will introduce the movie. In addition to Saving Private Ryan, Dye has lent his expertise to the film Platoon, HBO miniseries Band of Brothers and The Pacific, as well as to the video game series Medal of Honor and many music videos with military themes. The screening is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for admission.
Commemorating the 20th Anniversary: A Symposium on Saving Private Ryan
Thursday, June 7 | 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m.
Love Saving Private Ryan? Don’t miss our daylong symposium on the monumental film on Thursday, hosted by Museum’s Institute for the Study of War and Democracy.
Join D-Day scholars, film historians, and production insiders for enlightening sessions on 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.