NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — In June of 2000, and with much fanfare, the D-Day Museum opened its doors for the first time in the Central Business District of New Orleans. WGNO News was there to broadcast the highly anticipated event.
Today, the museum is better known as the National World War II Museum. It’s undergone shiny renovations in recent years, making it a popular attraction for tourists and life-long New Orleanians.
Before the museum opened to the public in 2000, World War II veterans and their families were invited to get a first look at its exhibits and artifacts. The items told the story of America’s involvement in the war, from mobilization to D-Day.
The veterans said the museum gave them a sad sense of déjà vu.
“The horror of war, and the waste of men and material. It’s unbelievable,” one veteran told WGNO News in 2000.
“I was in awe of all the pictures and the realities of all the pictures. That brought back such memories of such horror so bad,” another said after seeing the museum.
“I’m very proud of what I did. I’m very proud of this museum.”
New Orleans celebrates opening of D-Day Museum in 2000:
WGNO News remembers D-Day heroes:
June 6, 2024, will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Watch Nexstar Media Group’s one-hour special “D-Day: The Greatest Victory” at 4 p.m. on WGNO and at 9 p.m. on NOLA 38 on Wednesday, June 6.
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