<p>This past May 15, Armed Forces Day, hundreds of guests and visitors joined with a  number of notable dignitaries at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans to honor the men and women who have served and are serving in the United States’ armed forces—army, navy air force, coast guard. <br /> <br /> Louisiana ESGR members were there too; Terry Paulson, John Manion, Ken Demarest, Paul Siebenkittel and Lou Gavin stood watches at the ESGR exhibit explaining the vision and mission of ESGR to dozens of people who stopped by.  In fact, 22 employers signed a Statement of Support including the recently elected Mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu and Dr. Nick Mueller, President and CEO of the Museum.  <br /> <br /> Designers of the Museum have extraordinarily depicted the struggle and courage of Americans who fought World War II to a victorious conclusion. They have done this through featured World War II military artifacts, motion pictures, photographs, graphics and recorded personal accounts of people who were there on the home front or the battlefields.  <br /> <br /> In recent months the museum has expanded its facility. For example, visitors can now enjoy some of New Orleans best jazz and swing music in the Stage Door Canteen.  In  addition, the “Beyond All Boundaries” film shown in the newly constructed Solomon Victory Theater is a 4-D cinematic experience. It is a 35 minute multisensory journey through the war that changed the world. Viewers actually  feel the rumble of Tiger Tanks, the steam rising from the jungles of Guadalcanal and the snow falling inside the theater during the Battle of the Bulge<br /> <br /> Featured speakers included Dr. Nick Mueller who spoke about the history of the Museum and the plans for its further expansion.  New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, among other comments, said he is proud that New Orleans is host to such a large number of military personnel. He also praised them for effectively answering our nation’s call in times of crises and for their humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, he thanked the Louisiana National Guard and the United States Coast Guard for assisting with the clean up of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico which is threatening the Louisiana coastline.  Major General David Mize (USMC  Ret.) and chairman of  the Mayor’s Military Advisory Committee, gave a report of the Committee’s activities and presented community service  awards to several individuals.  Jacquelyn Clarkson, vice president of the New Orleans City Council talked about the financial impact the number of military facilities and personnel have on the city.  She is an avid supporter of ESGR pointing out that New Orleans is home to the Louisiana National Guard, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, the 159th Fighter Wing, USAF Reserve, Naval Reserve, USMC Force Reserve, and Headquarters for the 8th Coast Guard District. “We are a military town,” Clarkson said. Lou Gavin, LAESGR Public Affairs Representative, informed the audience about the Committee’s work with employers and members of the National Guard and Reserve.<br /> <br /> The event was truly a fitting tribute to the men and women who watch over the ramparts to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.</p> |