D-Day anniversary remains a very big deal in New Orleans

• The museum says there is great urgency in collecting the oral history of veterans, with about 350 WWII vets dying daily.

Flashback: Andrew Higgins designed and built the amphibious Higgins boat in New Orleans, using an integrated workforce of more than 25,000 people.

• The boat could hold 36 combat-equipped troops or a Jeep and 12 troops.
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower called Higgins "the man who won the war for us" thanks to his namesake landing craft.
• It was used in every major amphibious assault of WWII. Less than 10 original boats remain in existence.
• Higgins' company was also involved in the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb.

What's happening: The museum, at 945 Magazine Street, will host several events today in person and streaming online:

• 10:15am: Performance by St. Augustine Marching 100.
• 11am: Hal Baumgarten D-Day Commemoration.
• Announcement about upcoming Liberation Pavilion.
• Dedication of the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground.
• Guest speaker is Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia.
• 5pm: Museum and WYES reception and presentation of a new documentary about the creation of the museum.

Of note: Admission is free for current service members and their families through Labor Day.

What's next: The St. Aug Marching 100 is partnering with the museum to perform next year in Normandy as part of the 80th anniversary events. Fundraising efforts are ongoing.