"Another War, Another Time" D-Day Museum Tip by Rixie

The World War II Museum in New Orleans (formerly the D-Day Museum) is well-researched and beautifully laid out, focusing not only on the Normandy invasion but also on other aspects of World War II. It's located in this city because of New Orleans boat builder Andrew Higgins, whose landing craft (LCVP, a.k.a. Higgins Boat) ensured the success of the D-Day invasion in 1944.

I've been to museums where war was presented as a glorious undertaking, with trumpets blowing and banners waving and God on our side -- no mention of the fear and blood and ugliness -- and I had expected a similar slant from a military museum in the American South. I was wrong. The museum courageously gives a warts-and-all view of WWII. It tells about doubts and worries and strategy gone awry, and includes first-person accounts from everyone in the military hierarchy, from frightened young Marines, sitting in Higgins boats off Omaha Beach, to General Dwight D. Eisenhower, agonizing over whether to give the "go" order or wait. The museum also includes displays of propaganda from both the Allied and Axis sides, with a discussion about demonizing the enemy.

Throughout the museum there are little film nooks where a handful of people can sit and watch video clips and slide shows. On one tape, one soldier spoke about shocking scenes at a concentration camp: mountains of bodies, a whole room full of jawbones. "I've never talked much about it," he admitted.

Another said that, just before they hit the beach at Normandy, his buddy turned to him and said in panic, "I can't swim."

"Don't worry," he assured him, "they'll take us right up to land." ... except that someone hit the release for the ramp too early, while the boat was still in deep water. His friend was carried off by a massive wave and never even made it onto the beach.

There were so many poignant stories from different viewpoints, which is what makes history fascinating to me.

The museum has been expanded, and there's a lot to see. Check the website for special exhibits and allow three hours to wander through - the time goes quickly.

Address: 945 Magazine Street
Directions: In the Warehouse District, two blocks from Lee Circle
Phone: 504-527-6012
Website: http://www.ddaymuseum.org