The most recent entries are on the main Guestbook
page, |
which can be accessed through the link below. |
| Name: |
Scott Whitcher - 06/06/00 23:59:16 |
| Comments: |
God Bless America and God Bless every one who has known sacrifice
for this great country. I can hardly wait to see the D-Day Museum and am
thankful foremost for the Veterans who have kept this country free, but also
for the dedicated people who are preserving this legacy for us and future
generations, that we may know what was done for us.
....now, if only we will accept the risks inherent in freedom and not throw
freedom away for so called security.... |
| Name: |
Kenneth Roberson - 06/06/00 22:07:36 |
| Comments: |
so glad this finally happened. |
| Name: |
M.Kelly - 06/06/00 20:27:24 |
| Comments: |
As a June 1944 high school graduate when the world was so
very different, I never dreamed that in 1994 I would visit the beaches as
Normandy and, particularly, stand at the American Cemetery to pay my respect
to and to honor these patriotic young men who sacrificed their lives so that
I and many many others could enjoy what we now call "the good life". My memory
of being there is unforgettable...a carpet of brilliant green grass, sparkling
blue water in the distance, crosses and Stars of David so white and so orderly
the tears could not be controlled. But it was the air I cannot forget, so
crisp, so fresh, so holy that even today I can still inhale it. I pray that
that air will continue to waft over their sleeping bodies and that they may
peacefully rest there until the end of time. I honor these men for the future
they bestowed on me and my family. |
| Name: |
RAYMOND BAILEY - 06/06/00 19:08:04 |
| Comments: |
WAS IN THE MARINES IN 1963 TO 1968 MADE A LOT OF LANDINGS
ON THE HIGGINS BOATS WE KNEW THEM AS PITTA BOATS |
| Name: |
Louise Plaud - 06/06/00 19:02:43 |
| Comments: |
Thank you for all this information that your museum is providing.
It brings so much insight as to what our fathers experienced, but never spoke
of! |
| Name: |
frederick a. jacobson - 06/06/00 18:35:10 |
| Comments: |
vietnam vet that can't forget |
| Name: |
Elizabeth - 06/06/00 18:34:54 |
| Comments: |
I watched the WWII veterans parade today in downtown New
Orleans - it was wonderful--- Thank you very much. |
| Name: |
Richard W. Galloway - 06/06/00 17:51:11 |
| Comments: |
Congratulations to all of those men and women, black and
white who made the Higgins Boats that carried the troops to far away shores.
You were a generation of givers; who gave of yourselves that we might enjoy
our lives today. God loves you best. |
| Name: |
Mario Galli - 06/06/00 17:36:19 |
| Comments: |
Stephen Ambrose deserves a lot of credit and respect for
giving us so much insight in World War II and especially D-Day at Normandy.
Each time I see and listen to him on television I have more and more respect
for him. His skill at relating history is unmatched. He is a great historian.
Something special should be done for and in honor of this wonderful man for
helping us remember the sacrifices of those who served in World War II, military
and civilian. I was 11 years old when the U.S. entered the war. My older
brother served with General Patton in Europe. Mr. Ambrose brings events alive
so you begin to get a feeling of what the war was about. |
| Name: |
F.J. LINDSAY - 06/06/00 17:27:50 |
| Comments: |
GREAT BOAT . WENT ACROSS CHANNEL ON ONE AND LANDED ON UTAH
BEACH AUG, 1944. |
| Name: |
Mario Galli - 06/06/00 17:05:12 |
| Comments: |
Excellent Website! I watched the History channel program
of "D-Day", just the other day, followed by Steve Ambrose's discussion regarding
the museum, and Andrew Higgins and the "Higgins Boat" (LCVP). It was great.
That's how I learned of the Museum. Thank you. I'll be back to absorb all
that I can. |
| Name: |
Carl Wood - 06/06/00 16:55:29 |
| Comments: |
very good, I have enjoyed it. |
| Name: |
Chuck Fullgraf - 06/06/00 15:41:46 |
| Comments: |
The museum and the work put in by all is impressive. |
| Name: |
Lawrence A Calabro - 06/06/00 15:30:30 |
| Comments: |
I can think of no greater tribute to those who participated
in the D-Day landings. You might want to look into a matter that is taking
place in Texas, sepecifically it concerns the only surviviing Higgins PT-boat
that saw action in WWII. An article in the Houston Chronicle dated May, 30th.
2000, (Saving PT-309) will explain what is taking place. |
| Name: |
Duane Franz - 06/06/00 15:22:03 |
| Comments: |
Although I came well after the D-Day invasion and was wounded
twice, I appreciate what those who came before me did to make the Allied
victory possible. Thanks. |
| Name: |
Bruce Campbell - 06/06/00 15:07:39 |
| Comments: |
Great site. Very interesting to anyone who has an interest
in the Second World War. Very happy to see a site that gets into D day. Keep
up the great work. |
| Name: |
Russell E. Romig - 06/06/00 14:28:47 |
| Comments: |
The time is long overdue for a memorial to the veterans of
wwII. To the young men at that time who gave their lives to suppress the
aggresion in both the pacific and european theaters. I was a small boy at
that time but I thank each and every veteran. Thank you |
| Name: |
William A. Prey - 06/06/00 14:22:36 |
| Comments: |
As a naval architect for the Aluminum Company of America
from 1957 to 1965, it was my pleasure to work with the Higgins boat company
around 1959 on projects for aluminum boats. The Alcoa team was honored to
be able to work with the fine people at Higgins and we were very impressed
with the Higgins' heritage and enjoyed learning about the role that Higgins
boats played in all theaters in WW II, from the men who created them. It
is most appropriate that New Orleans was selected for this new D-Day museum
and that it honors the "gentlemen soldiers" who served on the front lines
as well as the folks back on the home front as we all united to defeat the
powers of tryanny. The website is great and I can't wait to see this museum
in person. Many thanks to Mr. Ambrose for his efforts in bringing all of
this about, and his wonderful books which have helped to show those of us
who weren't there what it was like, and the debt that we all owe to those
who fought on our behalf! |
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| Name: |
Mary Ellen Doyle - 06/06/00 14:11:25 |
| Comments: |
My husband, J. Patrick Doyle was a Quartermaster aboard a
P.T. and my brother-in-law was a Quartermaster on a LCT on D-Day. We are
very interested in the museum. Say "Hello" to Dawn for me. My brother-in-law
on the LCT was Paul M. McKinney. |
| Name: |
noel p.la bonte - 06/06/00 13:52:35 |
| Comments: |
i'm very eager to get to new orleans to visit the d-day museum.
i've heard a lot about the museum and can't wait to see it in person! |
| Name: |
Cameron Causey - 06/06/00 12:58:42 |
| Comments: |
Congratulations on the opening of the D-Day Museum!! |
| Name: |
Ryan Boudreaux - 06/06/00 12:41:43 |
| Comments: |
A wonderful achievement for the people of the United States
and the World! I await with excitement until the day I can visit the
museum; that day should come soon, as we live on the Westbank of New Orleans.
Thank you!
Ryan Boudreaux |
| Name: |
Dorothy Newman - 06/06/00 12:34:21 |
| Comments: |
My late husband was a Coxswain, UN Naval Amphibious Forces
in Pacific War. I've wanted to see one of the boats he drove on-shore during
those island battles, for a long time. Thanks for your good work! He was
taken ill at battle of Saipan, in June, 1944, and eventually came home. I
have his diary. |
| Name: |
Frank Randazzo - 06/06/00 11:52:44 |
| Comments: |
Congratulations on the museum and the web page. I was born
in 1938 on St. Patrick St., just a few blocks from the Higgins plant at City
Park. I have always been fascinated and proud of the role played by New Orleans
and Higgins. I visited a PT Boat display in League City (Galveston Bay),
Tx. a few months ago. That boat was a Higgins model, I think. The web page
is wonderful, even though I'm having trouble opening some of the links. I'm
an internet novice. What is the possibility of finding a PT Boat for the
museum? There used to be one in private ownership on Bayou St. John years
ago. Can I join the "boat ring"? Frank Randazzo |
| Name: |
Clarence Searles - 06/06/00 11:39:53 |
| Comments: |
I was the engineer aboard my "P" boat in the Okinawa conflict.
The experience was such that I would not want to do it again. Following the
Island being declared "secure" My boat and crew were assigned to the base
at Yellow Beach 3. From there, we were assigned to an ocean going
tug/firefighter. Putting out fires on ships struck by torpedos. Other duties
were to assist dragging LST's from the beach when they were unable to remove
themselves. I am proud to have had an opportunity to work on a Higgins Boat. |
| Name: |
ANTHONY DEL DUCA - 06/06/00 11:18:13 |
| Comments: |
GOD BLESS THE AMERICAN G.I. THANKS GUYS!! |
| Name: |
Charles Wieland, II - 06/06/00 10:32:34 |
| Comments: |
I saw your documentary on the History Channel, I couldn't
believe that there no LCVP's left, then I remembered it had been 30 years
since I was on the USS Sandoval (LPA-194), which carried 17 LCVP's and 5
other boats. Time flies, Congratulations on a great project. |
| Name: |
Sam Fletcher - 06/06/00 10:23:26 |
| Comments: |
I was born in 1943, shortly before my father, S.A. Fletcher,
was transferred to the Pacific with the U.S. Air Corps. Fortunately, he lived
to become my biggest hero, and still is today. When I was about 13, I discovered
a couple of books of the compiled frontline reports by Ernie Pyle. Those
inspired me to become a journalist. I have the greatest admiration for people
like my dad, Pyle, Higgins and all the others who worked so hard and sacrificed
so much for this country in 1941-1945. We can never repay those men and women
-- especially those families whose loved ones didn't come back. Thank God
for this project and the National D-Day Museum before they all are gone! |
| Name: |
George Stahlberg - 06/06/00 09:45:41 |
| Comments: |
My father landed on Utah Beach in one of these. He was in
the 4th Infantry ("IVY"), 4th Signal Corps Company, along with Simmons Parker
and the other 16 Comanche Code Talkers. |
| Name: |
alan Smith - 06/06/00 08:34:07 |
| Comments: |
Thank you for your work in establishing a museum to commemorate
those who participated in D-day and to all of those who participated in their
own D-day elsewhere around the world during WWII |
| Name: |
David White - 06/06/00 06:46:11 |
| Comments: |
Thanks to those who made sacrifices to secure freedom for
my generation and those to come. |
| Name: |
Stan Jessen - 06/06/00 05:52:51 |
| Comments: |
I saw the piece about the Higgins Boat on the NBC news and
had to learn more. A quick web search and I found your site. Very intesting
and informative. You guys did a great job of restoration. Thanks for your
efforts. |
| Name: |
Suzanne Cornay Clarke - 06/06/00 01:31:07 |
| Comments: |
I am a native of New Orleans and no matter where I live New
Orleans is always "home". I am so proud of this magnificent accomplishment
and that the museum is located in my hometown. I was born shortly after V-E
day and I fully realize the impact of these heroes so that I could live my
life in freedom. My family joins me in congratulating everyone associated
with this project. With sincere thanks, Suzie Clarke, Memphis,Tn. |
| Name: |
mark greco - 06/05/00 22:29:12 |
| Comments: |
heard the story on npr im 38 yrs old that seems like quite
the time to be alive thank you for keeping this part of our great history
alive thanks thanks thanks. |
| Name: |
Beth Taylor - 06/05/00 22:26:54 |
| Comments: |
My grandfather, Salvadore Bova was a Higgins employee.
Unfortunately, he died several years before I was born in 1954. However,
I am so proud of his efforts in bringing about our victory in WWII. I look
forward to visiting the D-Day Museum and seeing the brick inscribed with
his name! |
| Name: |
Charlie Jones - 06/05/00 21:37:53 |
| Comments: |
I was in the USMC after WWII and make a lot of practice landings
in one of these boats. I thought I noticed that the hull number of the one
in the Museum was PA33-#. Do you know the name of the mothership for that
LCVP? I MAY have been on that during my enlistment. |
| Name: |
Vicki Occhipinti - 06/05/00 21:26:57 |
| Comments: |
As a former student of Stephen Ambrose, I can't wait to see
the museum which has been his passion. As an American, I look forward, with
humility and respect, to get a glimpse of the sacrifices made by those I
did not know. I thank all of them from the bottom of my heart. |
| Name: |
F Roberts - 06/05/00 20:53:16 |
| Comments: |
Plan to visit exhibit 6/18/00. |
| Name: |
David E. Searfoss - 06/05/00 20:17:09 |
| Comments: |
Dr. Steve Ambrose was outstanding on TV Sunday,which is the
reason I,m investigating further into the Higgins boat project. Dr. Ambrose
has the unique ability to make a person look for more. Good luck on the museum
and can't wait till I can visit. |
| Name: |
John T. Wright - 06/05/00 20:12:39 |
| Comments: |
Too soon people are forgetting all the facts surrounding
WWII. Our libraries are ridding their shelves of all stories and deeds relating
to the Great War. Soon it will be relegated to a few short paragraphs in
history books. How tragic!! |
| Name: |
SGM (Ret) Dennis D. Donaldson - 06/05/00 19:39:44 |
| Comments: |
My dad was on the USS Nevada providing naval gunfire in support
of the landings on Utah Beach. In his cruise book it tells how the Nevada
was dueling with German fortifications at Cherbourg and was straddled 27
times without being hit. Incredible! I still remember the great pride my
dad had in being on the Nevada and hearing more than a few times how "she"
was the only battleship to get under way during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The USS Nevada also fired the first shot in the battle for Iwo Jima and it
was hit by a Kamikaze during the invasion of Okinawa. My dad was proud of
his ship, the US Navy and this great country in which I'm privileged to live.
I salute him and all the veterans of WWII who fought and died to provide
the blanket of security and freedom that I grew up under and still enjoy.
I can't wait to come to the museum. Also, thank you Mr Ambrose for ensuring
their sacrifices will not be forgotten. |
| Name: |
Mary Santel - 06/05/00 19:32:37 |
| Comments: |
I just wanted to write and say that I think the D-Day Museum
is a great idea. My father, PFC Leonard H. Rule, served from 1942-1945 in
the Army, and was stationed in the Philippines as an MP for awhile. This
museum was long overdue. Thank you, veterans! |
| Name: |
david a. cullop - 06/05/00 18:50:38 |
| Comments: |
great job on the website! |
| Name: |
David O. Hunt - 06/05/00 18:39:49 |
| Comments: |
I really enjoyed the photos. It is very important that these
memories be made available to the young citizens of this nation. It seems
our history books are being changed before our very eyes. This is true history.
I want to thank everyone that took part in this project. |
| Name: |
Paul Cochrane - 06/05/00 18:29:51 |
| Comments: |
Maybe I'll get over sometime but in the meantime, keep this
memory alive - I know I try to - even as a teacher of science.
Paul Cochrane |
| Name: |
Rhonda Lamb - 06/05/00 18:22:54 |
| Comments: |
The recognition and tribute to these BRAVE men is long overdue.
I believe we need to be reminded daily the sacrifice they went through to
save our world. May God Bless you all. |
| Name: |
Jay Wangsgaard - 06/05/00 17:13:28 |
| Comments: |
We watched the Higgins Boat segment on CBS Sunday Morning
with much interest. Thanks for keeping this very important part of our history
alive. |
| Name: |
D.R. Risser - 06/05/00 16:38:15 |
| Comments: |
Found your site in the Marine Corps 'LEATHERNECK' magazine.
Think it to be great, have yet to visit the other areas. Was very interested
in the Higgins boat, saw a short film on it on the TV, and was trying to
explain it to my family. Your site says it all. |
| Name: |
Lula Mae Harrison - 06/05/00 14:22:09 |
| Comments: |
Saw the documentary on TV. My husband was in the Navy during
World War II. We obviously had many friends and classmates serving in various
services and appreciate seeing recognition of those who served. |
| Name: |
K.M. Lanier - 06/05/00 10:29:07 |
| Comments: |
I'm very pleased that steps have been taken to recognize
and honor the individuals that gave so much. |
| Name: |
Don C. Dodson - 06/05/00 10:21:03 |
| Comments: |
Because of the courage, hard work and heroism of so many,
in battle and domestically, I have lived in a better world with liberty all
my life. My heartfelt thanks to all of you. You have my undying
respect and admiration. You truly did save the world. |
| Name: |
Robert Sacoman - 06/05/00 06:45:53 |
| Comments: |
Nice job. Wish I could have been there to work on it. |
| Name: |
J.J. Witmeyer Jr - 06/05/00 01:46:37 |
| Comments: |
Dr. Ambrose has been seen many times on T.V. General Joe
Collins, just does not seem to exist, in any of his tellings. He was 8 corp
commander and like Andrew Higgins, was from New Orleans. He continued to
serve under General Patton. How can we devote so much time to history but
fail to mention one of the best of all Generals? D-Day veteran, J.J.
Witmeyer Jr. |
| Name: |
James V. Kauffman - 06/04/00 22:51:10 |
| Comments: |
My outfit was the Boat Battalion, 544th Engineer Boat &
Shore Regiment, 4th Engineer Special Brigade. Trained in operation and coastwise
piloting of Higgins landing craft in the Higgins plant in New Orleans. Served
from Buna, NewGuinea to Wakayama, Jap |
| Name: |
Louanne Chabot - 06/04/00 21:14:46 |
| Comments: |
excellent source of information |
| Name: |
scott bradford - 06/04/00 20:44:47 |
| Comments: |
thank you...... |
| Name: |
JACK NORWINE - 06/04/00 20:35:04 |
| Comments: |
I believe like others that the Higgins boat and the B-17
Fortress both made a turning point in the war along with the service men.
I am looking forward to the museums opening. |
| Name: |
Debbie Durham - 06/04/00 20:12:44 |
| Comments: |
We just saw the show about your museum and can't wait to
visit it, I think a lot of times we forget what people have given to protect
this country. My father-in -law was in Okinawa and was shot and he has received
Silver Star & credit for 3 Purple Hearts, am looking for to the addition
from that part of the war. God Bless all Who has serviced and those who havn't
but thats helped with this project. |
| Name: |
John Lockwood - 06/04/00 19:38:30 |
| Comments: |
I lost an Uncle that day, that I never knew.
May God Bless all those that lost their lives for us.
John Lockwood |
| Name: |
Timothy Shorts - 06/04/00 16:53:27 |
| Comments: |
I watched a show about the Higgins Boat Project on our local
PBS station, and was pleased to find a website on the subject. Thanks for
a great project! |
| Name: |
Ed Lindenberg - 06/04/00 16:18:51 |
| Comments: |
I am filing for my brother-in-law Logan Seneker. He was Captain
of a Higgins Boat in Okinawa in 1945. He has many stories that he tells of
the operation in Okinawa. He enjoyed very much the CBS report this Sunday
the 4th of June. I was in the Navy but did not get to Okinawa until 1972
as MD of Okinawa Seikiu Seisei, a refinery and storage facility that Gulf
Oil owned 49%. |
| Name: |
Paul S. Dovie - 06/04/00 14:57:44 |
| Comments: |
My uncle J.A. Dovie worked for Higgins and was a draftsmen.
I would like to know if there are any pictures of Higgins' people working
with him in the picture. |
| Name: |
Rita Wiggins - 06/04/00 13:36:32 |
| Comments: |
My mother was Anastacia Higgins, daughter of James Higgins
of Seneca, IL. My aunt, Alice Higgins, visited Andrew Higgins at his home
in New Orleans. Andrew is a cousin and, I'm sure, named after Andrew O'Higgins
of Ireland and S. America whose son was Bernardo O'Higgins. |
| Name: |
Dennis O'Brien - 06/04/00 12:46:09 |
| Name: |
Phillip Kelley - 06/04/00 08:52:01 |
| Comments: |
I enjoyed the documentary on PBS and your web site is very
good. I look forward to visiting the museum in New Orleans. My uncle was
KIA on D-Day and your project has a special interest to me. |
| Name: |
J. Cardella, Jr. - 06/03/00 21:23:30 |
| Comments: |
Thanks to all who dedicated their time and talent to create
this special symbol of a special generation of Americans that allow us now
to share the bounty of this great country. |
| Name: |
Calista - 06/02/00 20:34:14 |
| Comments: |
I had the opportunity to visit Normandy last November and
have not yet been able to find the right words to describe the feeling. The
Museums depicting D-Day are filled with ghosts of the bravest souls on this
earth. Walking thru the Cemetaries, evokes an unusual calm and sense of
tranquility I have never felt before. To feel the closeness of so many who
are at peace now is a very Spiritual awakening. I will never forget my time
there and hope to return again some day. I live in Pensacola and New Orleans
is not a very lengthy trip, I look forward to visiting the D-Day museum very
soon..Thank you for bringing this History closer so our children can learn
from it and understand what was given for our freedom..May God bless you.. |
| Name: |
R.W. Koch, LCDR, USN-Retired ('72-'93) - 06/02/00
19:28:26 |
| Comments: |
It's great to see the "GATOR NAVY" get the long overdue publicity
it so richly deserves! I spent 12+ yrs of my 21 yr career at sea, and the
majority of that on "Amphibs" - LCC, LPD, LPH, LHA, + a PHIBRON STAFF assgmt.
I salute everyone involved with the Higgins Boat Project. You all deserve
"BRAVO ZULUs" for jobs well done!
I'm looking forward to visiting the D-Day Museum with my bride of 23 yrs,
just as soon as SHE retires fm the USN next Jan 01 - after "only" 28 yrs
of active duty. |
| Name: |
Jim Keller - 06/02/00 18:33:29 |
| Comments: |
Served on the USS Rockbridge APA 228. JUNE 58 TO OCT 60.
WIRED LCVP'S AT LITTLE CREEK VA. WAS IN CHARGE OF THE BATTERY LOCKER FOR
6 MO. LANDED TROOPS AT BERIUT LEBANON. LOST A LCVP IN HIGH SEAS OF THE FORWARD
STARBOARD DAVITT. ITS GREAT TO SEE THE HIGGINS PROJECT GETTING THE RECOGNITION.
AMPHIBS --- THE REAL NAVY!!! |
| Name: |
Craig Canepa - 06/02/00 13:30:17 |
| Name: |
DKron - 06/02/00 11:05:42 |
| Comments: |
wonderful website--very informative. Makes ya proud that
Higgins and New Orleanians were so much a part of the success of the Armed
Forces in WWII. |
| Name: |
Carole (Cruell) Donaldson - 06/01/00 21:41:20 |
| Comments: |
I have been very interested in the Higgins Boat project and
watched the special on PBS. My Dad, Atlas Cruell, worked at the Higgins Shipyard
during WWII as a welder. He was also a coxwain in the US Coast Guard while
we lived in New Orleans. He would have been very proud that Higgins Industries
and it's employees have received this long past due honor.
If any former employee from that time remembers him please e-mail me. My
Dad passed away in 1984. |
| Name: |
bob groenert - 06/01/00 15:57:07 |
| Comments: |
from an old dogface who came in the easy way through le harve
docks, a special thank you to all the guys who participated in the june 6th
landings and a tearful salute to those who fell on that day. You are not
dead, you live in my heart today...bob, 71st inf div |
| Name: |
Lionel Brindamour - 06/01/00 15:24:36 |
| Comments: |
I took my amphibious training at Coronado, San Diego Jan.Feb
1944 I was at shore bases in the Gilbert Islands and Pearl Harbor for about
a year as an LCVP coxswain. I was then assigned to the USS Epping Forest
LSD-4.in March 1945. I was an LCM coxswain. Our 18 lcm's took in on the first
wave General Sherman tanks April first. The Epping Forest stayed in Okinawa
until July first |
| Name: |
anne michaelis - 06/01/00 13:14:51 |
| Comments: |
Most interesting and educational! We owe a debt of gratitude
to Mr. Higgins. Hope to visit the museum this summer. |
| Name: |
Greg Garcia - 06/01/00 13:09:16 |
| Comments: |
Liked the website, and looking forward to seeing the location
in New Orleans next week, with my dad and other members of E Company, 101st
Airborne. |
| Name: |
Gary D. Jackson - 06/01/00 03:13:39 |
| Comments: |
Thanks to the volunteers for reconstructing the landing craft
for 6 Jun 2000 Opening Day Ceremonies and for its viewing in the years ahead
by future generations. The existing world owes all to those who sacrificed
and the contributions of Andrew Higgins and his thousands of dedicated and
patriotic workers are unsurpassed. |
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