A Message from the President: The Meaning of the Day

President & CEO of The National WWII Museum, Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller

Too often do we commemorate our heroes rather than celebrate them. With more than 21.2 million living veterans in our country today, Veterans Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate the courageous people who defend the freedoms that we enjoy. Every day here at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifices of our WWII veterans.  As the number of our living WWII veterans dwindles, Veterans Day allows us to extend our tribute to newer generations of our country’s brave defenders.

On this Veterans Day, we show our gratitude to the courageous men and women who have defended our freedom by offering them free admission to our growing Museum campus in New Orleans. We hope that visits by younger citizens – and their exposure to stories of hardship, courage and ultimate victory – will engender strong connections between veterans of the present and the past.

The long-ago choice of the date for Veterans Day – November 11, Armistice Day at the end of World War I – holds great meaning. The war to end all wars did not bring the enduring peace that so many sought. As other conflicts unfolded around the world, our nation’s leaders saw a need to connect the generations, honoring all who served in defense of America’s ideals and freedoms.

Veterans Day helps to create a bond between these individuals. It is the day when we pause to celebrate and express deep appreciation. Please join us today in this important patriotic exercise.

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Nick Mueller

President and CEO