Today marks the 70th anniversary of D-Day — the Allied invasion of Normandy — which would prove to be a critical moment in defeating the Axis powers of World War II. And we’re doing quite a bit here at HMNS to commemorate the day.
See D-Day: Normandy 1944 in our Giant Screen Theatre
First and foremost, we’re showing the 3D film D-Day: Normandy 1944 in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, with additional show times today at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
D-Day: Normandy 1944 now showing in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre
Thanks to a generous donation from Gallery Furniture, all military personnel (veterans and active duty) can see D-Day: Normandy 1944 for free, with military I.D. (You can obtain tickets at the HMNS Box Office or Gallery Furniture locations.)
We spoke with Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, founder of Gallery Furniture, about the donation. “It’s important to remember the sacrifices [of veterans],” McIngvale said, “It’s just as relevant today as it was 70 years ago to say thank you.”
He considers this donation to be “the least we can do.” McIngvale said, “I am thrilled and excited to be involved with HMNS.”
We’re grateful for Gallery Furniture’s involvement and hope that military personnel from the Houston area will take advantage of this offer, valid through Veteran’s Day in November.
Catch Saving Private Ryan as we kick off our Take Two series on the Giant Screen
To further commemorate D-Day, we’re starting our Take Two series in the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre with a screening of Saving Private Ryan tonight at 8:30 p.m.
Our Battleship Texas exhibit is now on display
To further commemorate the holiday, our Battleship Texas exhibit is also open now. Organized by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, this exhibit highlights the history of the Battleship Texas in service to the United States Navy through World War II. It showcases 60 artifacts of the only surviving U.S. Navy vessel to have seen action in both world wars.
Objects on view include a never-before displayed flag from the ship and a shell that hit the vessel but did not explode, plus select pieces from the silver service presented to the battleship by the people of Texas, historical photographs and personal items from men who served aboard the Battleship. A special listening station shares crew member memories of service aboard the Battleship during World War II.
So there you have it folks. We’re commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day in a big way, and we want you to be a part of it.
If you’d like to learn more about D-Day and WWII, check out our three-part series by our Curator of Anthropology, Dr. Dirk Van Tuerenhout.
And let us remember the words of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower as he spoke to soldiers about to make the invasion at Normandy:
“Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
Local support is provided by Gallery Furniture and IBERIABANK.
