Tuesday, June 6, 2017 – Andrew Higgins, LCVP, D-Day and Thank You
Today marks the 73rd anniversary of Operation Overlord, D-Day, the largest Allied amphibious landing in world history. The Allied Forces of WWII landed in France on June 6, 1944.. This invasion would eventually lead to freedom in Europe.
I recently visited the World War II Museum in New Orleans Louisiana. The museum is located in NOLA because Andrew Higgins who designed the LCVP – Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel was from Louisiana. It was this vehicle designed by a whiskey drinking Irishman from New Orleans that allowed the invasion of Normandy Beaches to take place. https://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/courses/ww2/projects/fighting-vehicles/higgins-boat.htm
A Higgins LCVP is one of the first items you seen as you enter the WWII Museum. As you stand near the landing craft, your brain and camera see this:
NOLA WWII Museum 5.17 Photo by me.
But your mind, memories and heart see these. The lump forms in your throat, your eyes tear and you wonder at their heroism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normandy_landings
A World War II Veteran always sits at the entrance of the WWII Museum. This hero had just sat down for his shift. Check his cap. The second photo is when I asked him if he had ever been on an Honor Flight to see The World War II Memorial. Check his expression as he said – “Just got back last week. It was great!”
Thank you for our freedom.
Never miss an opportunity to thank a Vet. Photo by Janet.
“It was great.” in describing Honor Flight to Washington D. D. to visit the WWII Memorial. Photo by Janet.
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