All Veterans Offered Free Admission to The National WWII Museum for Veterans Day Commemoration

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, The National WWII Museum will offer free admission to veterans of all conflicts and hold a special ceremony to commemorate those who have selflessly served in the US Armed Forces and whose sacrifices must never be forgotten. Held in partnership with the City of New Orleans and Mayor’s Military Advisory Committee, the Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and will be livestreamed. This year’s ceremony will feature a salute to all servicemembers, presentation of the Mayor’s Military Advisory Committee Veteran of the Year award, and remarks from Major General Andrée Carter, Commanding General of US Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne). 

The ceremony will also mark the opening of Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II, a special exhibition honoring the significant role more than 2 million Black servicemembers and Home Front workers played in securing Allied victory, even as they faced discrimination. The exhibit explores the challenges faced by and accomplishments of African Americans before, during and after World War II, showcasing extraordinary stories of service, sacrifice and fortitude that paved the way for change. This exhibit is a reimagined and expanded version of the original Fighting for the Right to Fight exhibit, which opened at the Museum in 2015 and spent six years traveling to other institutions nationwide.

Additional Fighting for the Right to Fight programming includes an Opening Reception at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. This free event will feature a conversation between Guest Curator Krewasky Salter, PhD, and Museum Curator and Restoration Manager Cory Graff about the exhibit’s development and content. The reception is part of the Museum’s daylong Family and Military Appreciation Block Party, which will provide free Museum general admission, kid-friendly activities, and entertainment to all Louisiana residents and US military families.

Fighting for the Right to Fight is presented in honor of Corporal Warren J. Donald, Sr. by the Arnold Donald Family and on display in New Orleans thanks to additional support from Dr. Bobby and Mrs. Lori Kent Savoie and Timber and Peggy Floyd. The exhibit will be open through July 21, 2025, before traveling to other venues across the country.