NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – The National WWII Museum will host veterans, their families and the local community to commemorate fallen service members in honor of Memorial Day. The special program will kick off with patriotic music selections by the US Marine Corps Band New Orleans, followed by a ceremony that includes personal tributes from relatives of those who lost their lives during World War II. This event is free and open to the public!
Here’s a schedule of events for the day.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Marine Corps Quintet Performance at the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Memorial Day Ceremony & Program at the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Gulf Coast Theatre on Tap presents ‘Hoofing for Heroes’ Dance Performance at BB`s Stage Door Canteen
3:00 p.m. – Memorial Day National Moment of Silence & Bell-Ringing at the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
If you can’t make it to the museum for the events, you can still watch the ceremonies via a free live stream. Check out the stream here.
The WWII Museum also encourages people to check out one of their websites that shares stories of WWII fallen servicemen and women. The site also showcases images and artifacts. Check that site out here.
Event Program
Welcome & Remarks
Master of Ceremonies: William M. “Bill” Detweiler, J.D., Consultant to the President & CEO for Military and Veterans Affairs
Presentation of Colors
Riverdale JROTC Color Guard
National Anthem
USMC Band New Orleans
Pledge of Allegiance
Riverdale JROTC Cadet
Retirement of Colors
Invocation
Chaplain, Louisiana National Guard
POW/MIA Ceremony
JROTC Unit, Riverdale Senior High School, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Introduction of Guests
Bill Detweiler
Guest Speaker
Rear Admiral David R. Callahan, Commander, US Coast Guard District
Families of the Fallen recollect
Featuring the families of 1st Lt. Leonard Isacks (lost on Iwo Jima), Pfc. Anthony Sconza (lost in Italy), and Sgt. Roland Ehlers (lost in Normandy)
Memorial Prayer
Chaplain, Louisiana National Guard
WHERE:
The National WWII Museum
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center
Andrew Higgins, between Camp and Magazine Streets
The National WWII 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. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.