In this instance, hand written letters from a mother to her son, a WWII soldier. Among the many exhibits at the National WWII museum in New Orleans, a mother's letter(s) to her son were on display. Reading part of it, "....your Dad and I....you so much..." some words were hidden but we all can fill in the blanks.
This woman not only dated her letters but wrote the time on them as well. What a great personable way to relate to her son by time "stamping" her letters. In reading them, you could catapult yourself back to that date and time, visualize a woman at a desk or table, writing a letter to her son, a son that she would never see again. A very impressionable display.
There are many items available for viewing, helmets, guns, planes, maps, diaries, etc and short films as well. One in particular is a must see and that's the 4-D movie, Beyond All Boundaries. Shown in an Imax size theater and narrated by Tom Hanks, this movie puts you right in the action with sound effects, props and chairs that vibrate.
Personal items such as the letters first mentioned and journals too. How would one maintain their sanity while in captivity? One soldier wrote his thoughts in any paper he had, then hid them in a tobacco canister while he was a POW. And to think, they've survived all these years.
Why is the museum located in New Orleans? The answer is on the first level as you walk through the door. It has something to do with a man named Higgins and a special boat.
And dont' forget to pay attention to the sidewalk as you walk to and from the museum. The walks are made with bricks donated in the honor of soldiers.
A big thank you to critically acclaimed author, the late Stephen Ambrose. Mr. Ambrose is the founder of the museum, a place where all citizens, of the US and the world can visit to learn about World War II.
So as we say good bye to the month that contained D-Day and say hello to our month of independence, check out the list of books to learn more about those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Next time you're in New Orleans, make the National World War II museum a must see.
World War II Books by Ambrose:
Band of Brothers
D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II
Citizen Soldiers: The U. S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany
Pegasus Bridge: June 6, 1944
The Wild Blue : The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s Over Germany 1944-45
The Supreme Commander: The War Years of Dwight D. Eisenhower
The VICTORS : Eisenhower and His Boys: The Men of World War II
Americans at War
The Good Fight : How World War II Was Won
Comrades : Brothers, Fathers, Heroes, Sons, Pals
Other recommended WWII books:
Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
James Bradley's Flyboys: A True Story of Courage and Flags Of Our Fathers
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