World War II Museum

New Orleans

A 13 June - 17 June 2022

visit by

John Paul and Alan Thiese

In late April John suggested to me that we visit this Museum for a Brother Bonding opportunity.  It did not take me long to say yes to this once in a lifetime opportunity and educational experience.   While we both served in Our U. S. Navy during the Vietnam War the opportunity to learn about World War II was of great interest for us both!

I took many pictures and the following are from the first day, June 13 as I awaited the arrival of My Brother.  I also scouted the Museum so we would be able to plan our schedule.

We stayed in a Loft which was less than two blocks away from the Museum.  It was modern and like the Museum was in the Warehouse District!  You will also see more of this loft in pictures later!

The following pictures were taken on Tuesday, 14 June.  In addition to the visit to the Museum we took the opportunity to walk to the Mississippi River.  This was special for us because we grew up very near this River in Northeast Iowa.  To see this River in New Orleans was an opportunity we would not overlook.

The above pictures were from our walk to the Mississippi River.  The two pictures following are of the Canopy of Peace over the Museum which is appropriately lite up at Night!

The Higgins Boat which was used during D-Day was manufactured in New Orleans.  The first concept of the Museum was to remember D-Day.  Over the years it has evolved to the World War II Museum.

Each figure on this display represents 3000 Service People.  You can quickly see the magnitude of the Axis Powers!!

This shows a jeep which was dropped on D-Day from a Glider!!!

The Liberty Bell which was a gift from the people of France as a display of their Graditude!

World War II Medal of Honor Photo Wall of Heroes!!

This Aircraft was powered by the V-12 Packard Engine shown elsewhere!

Ann Frank

Three sections of the "Atlantic Wall" constructed by the Germans to stop any invasion of Europe.  This wall was 400 miles long and these three sections were gifted to the Museum.  I learned that the majority of the items in the Museum were gifts from individual Heroes and Family Foundations.

"Tuskegee Airman" Memorial!  This displays a briefing of the Airman prior to a mission from Africa to Italy!

Wednesday, June 15 and We visited the Museum again.  In addition to the artifacts given by World War II Heroes the Atlantic and Pacific Sections featured many personal stories displayed on screens and monitors throughout the respective areas.  These personal stories were presented in small areas with appropriate seating so it was like being in the living room of these Heroes as they presented their experiences during the War!  A very much appreciated portion of this visit.

I found this statement/quote very moving and reflective on the part of one Hero who was involved in Worl War II!

A day time view of the "Canopy of Peace" which is 148 feet above the street level and 482 feet long and 134 feet wide!  An impressive sight both during the day and night.  I was only able to get a portion of this structure!

This Handmade American Flag is a gift from John MacDougal and had this caption on a plaque:  "A group of French teenagers made tis48 star American flat to express their gratitude to their American liberators."

This is what Hamburg, Germany looked like after the War!

We also experienced  the "Final Mission USS Tang Submarine Experience!"

The highpoint of the visit was the epic 4 D film narrated by Tom Hanks entitled:   "Beyond All Boundaries!"  This film took five years to produce with the involvement of 500 graphic artist using many film clips of World War II.  A powerful conclusion to our stay at the Museum.  This film certainly brought World War II to life!

OnThursday, June 16 we decided to ss New Orleans by traveling on a double deck bus to see the city!  Here is a Map followed by the pictures I took.  Most were from the Bus, but the pictures from Jackson Square were during a stop over there!

A camelback house, also called humpback, is a variation of the shotgun that has a partial second floor over the rear of the house. Camelback houses were built in the later period of shotgun houses.  As the family grew or became more prosperous!

I am very glad that I took this opportunity to visit this Museum.  I will conclude with a quote from General Dwight D. Eisenhower which he sent to his son John in April 1943:

"No other war in history has so definitely lined up the forces of arbitrary oppression and dictatorship against those of human rights and individual liberty"