D-Day Museum

New Orleans, LA
December 7th, 8th and 9th

The beautiful St. Louis Cathedral where the D-Day Museum Pacific Wing memorial service was held. (Built in 1794, and under several countries).

The First Armored Amphibian Battalion was well represented at the grand opening of the Pacific wing of the D-Day Museum in New Orleans, LA December 7th, 8th and 9th. Those attending were Ed and Mary Dooley, Al and Linda Vogel, Alvin and Vivian Wallace, David and Ann Watkins, and Grady and Sarah Coker.

Alvin (Tanner) and Vivian Wallace attended the Pacific Documentary Film Premiere and Gala. This was a black tie event and well attended by a large crowd.

Grady Coker, Tanner Wallace, Al Vogel and David Watkins all rode in the first Marine truck during the parade of World War II veterans in downtown New Orleans. The large crowd showed much appreciation for the veterans, which was inspirational to those riding in the parade. During the parade there was an aerial review of the latest aircraft. After the parade there were various functions at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center properly called Gathering of Eagles.

Marines on the truck during the D-Day Museum Parade.
(left to right): Grady Coker, Al Vogel, Alvin Wallace, David Watkins

Next day after the parade there was a PACIFIC INVASION RE-ENACTMENT with Vintage WWII Aircraft and Amphibious Assault with Japanese Tora, Tora, Tora Squadron at the New Orleans Lakefront. This event was well attended by about an estimated 20-30,000 people. It was standing room only. At the Convention Center the Gathering of Eagles continued. All this provided us old Marines a chance to meet many who shared our time overseas in the Pacific.

The USO Dance took the veterans back in time. Those attending were Tanner and Vivian Wallace, David and Ann Watkins, Al and Linda Vogel and Grady and Sarah Coker. This was the 60th anniversary of the USO and entertainment by The Beautiful Girls of USO New York City. These were four beautiful talented young ladies that really put on a good show. Also, the New Orleans branch of the Marine Corps Band was present and entertaining. Plus, there were many songs of the WWII prior to the USO show that motivated fond memories.

Regular visits to the Pacific wing exhibit of the National D-Day Museum were scheduled through out the three days. The Cokers stayed over a few days and took a leisure visit without the crowds. This is a job well done and should be a must visit for all veterans. A visit here should not be rushed, as there is a great deal to see.

The D-Day Memorial Service was held on Sunday, December 9, 2001 at 3:00 PM. This service was held at the beautiful St.Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square in the French Quarter. The entire St. Louis Cathedral Staff went out of their way to make this a memorial service appreciated by all that attended. The Vogels, Watkins, and Cokers attended this service. There was Color Guard of the various Armed Service branches with a Marine Sergeant-Major in charge. At the conclusion of the memorial service TAPS was played, appropriately stated by a Marine Lt. as most beautiful he had ever heard. So says this Marine—there was not a dry eye in the Cathedral.

The opening of the Pacific wing of the D-Day Museum in New Orleans was a great three day event and properly appreciated by all those that attended.

Grady Coker