The most recent entries are on the main Guestbook
page, |
which can be accessed through the link below. |
| Name: |
Pliny "DeDe" Olivier - 06/30/00 19:37:14 |
| Comments: |
I was foreman of the Fabrication Department at Higgins Industrial
Canal Plant from 1941 - 1948. Would like to hear from co-workers. |
| Name: |
Loraine Aldrich - 06/28/00 21:12:07 |
| Comments: |
Your D-Day Memorial Museum is the perfect way to reach all
Americans to remind them of the sacrifices of so many young men and women
during WWII. My brother hit the beaches three different times in Higgins
crafts in the Pacific. He always said he was incredibly lucky to have survived
all three landings. My Dad was in WWI, my husband served in WWII and our
son was in the Navy for 10 years. Obviously we are a military oriented family.
I worked at the Dispensary of Portsmouth, N.H. Navy Yard all during WWII.
My family and I will visit the D-Day Memorial Museum during April of 2001.
Thank you. |
| Name: |
Howard Black - 06/27/00 14:44:20 |
| Comments: |
Looking for specs or plans to build an RC model 1"=1' NAS
Norfolk Rescue had one in 1967-69 used for a dive boat had a deck installed,
and equipment for scuba & hard hat. It has been a long time but wouldn't
be surprised to find it ashore down to the D&S piers today. Thank You |
| Name: |
frank davis - 06/26/00 21:31:32 |
| Comments: |
I served aboard an amphibious vessel the USS Spiegel Grove
(LSD-32) from 1956-7. We had eight LCVP Higgins boats in which we landed
Marines. I believe Ike was correct, those durable little plywood boats put
the troops right up on the beach - Thanks to Mr. Higgins. |
| Name: |
Eldren C. Biddle, Jr. - 06/25/00 14:00:13 |
| Comments: |
Great web site. Project sets a high standard for boat
reproduction and display. |
| Name: |
Edward G. Wilson - 06/25/00 13:30:59 |
| Name: |
Treadway, C - 06/25/00 12:55:00 |
| Comments: |
All Americans should have to learn what I have today. You
should design and sell a sticker that reads (Your freedom, wasn't free, Earn
it.). I am only now learning about Mr.Higgins. Thank you. |
| Name: |
Wim Vink - 06/25/00 06:50:04 |
| Comments: |
Great site!! I'll be back :-)
regards, Wim Vink
MIL-MOD the US Army Modeling site
www.mil-mod.nl
|
| Name: |
Gary Medlin - 06/24/00 19:23:28 |
| Comments: |
Job well done. Thanks to all that served during that time.
History would not be the same with out them. God bless them all. A GRATEFUL
AMERICAN |
| Name: |
Gary Waggoner - 06/23/00 09:34:03 |
| Comments: |
Very informative site. One of my uncles worked there and
my father worked there also. My father received a Victory or War Bond for
his design of the gate release latch from the inside. Story has it that the
original latch had to be released from the outside. Needless to say, the
person elected to unlock the ramp usually didn't survive because he had to
reach over the front to do it and was the first to be shot. I only wish I
had proof of this. |
| Name: |
Clifford Sayre - 06/23/00 05:21:33 |
| Comments: |
I have found the publicity about the Museum very interesting.
A former shipmate (vintage 1947-49) sent me a copy of your opening ceremonies
program which I enjoyed. You might be interested to know that I visited Manus
in the Admiralty Islands in 1989 on a cruise. Manus was the staging point
for the invasion of the Philippines. In 1989 there were dozens, if not a
hundred or more landing craft pulled up on the beach just as if they had
landed. Of course, ten years later they may have been scrapped or vandalized.
I did not see them up close, but they looked in reasonable shape at that
time. The islanders had removed the diesels in many of them years ago and
used them to provide electric power for parts of the island. Regards, Clifford
Sayre in Silver Spring, MD |
| Name: |
jim falasco - 06/20/00 17:04:56 |
| Comments: |
Your work is fabulous. You need to get the word out somehow
locally to every event possible. What you are doing could be looked at as
a catalyst to pull America together. The key to fund raising is first making
people aware and then getting them involved. |
| Name: |
Ronnie Kinlaw - 06/20/00 09:10:00 |
| Comments: |
I wish we could make a visit to the museum a requirement
for ALL high school kids. Thanks for the memories. |
| Name: |
Robert L. Wilson - 06/19/00 19:04:25 |
| Comments: |
This is a most informative site and project. |
| Name: |
Walter R. Burnette - 06/18/00 16:52:06 |
| Comments: |
My ship, USS Block Island CVE-21 was sunk in the Atlantic,
May 29, 1944, supposely we were told later, that we were on our way to
participate in the D-Day Landings. We lost only a few men. |
| Name: |
Henry L. Tussy - 06/17/00 21:43:54 |
| Comments: |
I was eng. on Higgins lcvp boat. Normandy Beach D-day. Mother
ship was LST #526. would like to hear from some old crew. Can not say enough
about this boat, certainly did help win war....Henry L. Tussy 381-88-26 U.S.
Navy |
| Name: |
Tracy&Tammie Cava - 06/16/00 16:15:19 |
| Comments: |
To remember the men and boys of D-Day , THANKS is just not
enough!!!!! |
| Name: |
Jim Stoeber - 06/16/00 09:22:14 |
| Comments: |
I was a passenger on the Bayfield in 1952, and believe I
rode to the beach in boat 21. Thank you for all you've done. The Bayfield
won 4 ribbons in WW2 and 4 in the Korean war. Jim Stoeber |
| Name: |
Michael Petito - 06/15/00 13:02:19 |
| Comments: |
I think this is a wonderful dedication to the us WWII veterans!
Thank you! |
| Name: |
Leo J. Coar - 06/15/00 12:03:44 |
| Comments: |
While Higgins came up with idea, and a good one at that,
credit should also go to Owens boats who manufactured a very large number
of these boats during the war. John Owens lives part time in Naples Fl. |
| Name: |
Richard C. Glass - 06/14/00 18:28:40 |
| Comments: |
Hi, I think the memorials in New Orleans which have just
been opened will enable people to appreciate history and those who have done
so much or paid the supreme price for us and later generations.
Thank you, Richard Glass |
| Name: |
dick steffens - 06/14/00 14:36:44 |
| Comments: |
excellent views of museum good luck to all responsible |
| Name: |
Bill Byrne - 06/14/00 13:17:42 |
| Comments: |
I sure am glad that someone took the time and effort to put
the LST page back on line |
| Name: |
Kurt L. Anderson - 06/13/00 20:07:36 |
| Comments: |
My father and I built a simple replica of a landing craft
(20'x7') which began my interest in this water vehicle. I hope to build another
or purchase similar in future. If anyone can provide info on landing crafts,
please e-mail. I look forward to viewing the Higgins Project. Thank you in
advance. |
| Name: |
Richard Reisig - 06/13/00 20:08:57 |
| Comments: |
Very interesting.hope to get there this fall. Want to get
back to the Nimitz museum on the way to visit the USS MISSOURI BB63 plaque
again |
| Name: |
Dolores Mayea Sinitiere - 06/13/00 19:35:56 |
| Comments: |
I am really glad that this museum has been build. It's way
pass due. Thank you to all the World War II Vet and their familys for the
sacrifices they made during this terrible war. My father and his brother
both served in this war. My dad was one of the lucky one; he came back but
his brother was lost at sea and the body was never recovered. I am anxious
to go and visit the museum. I have been to the Navy Museum in Florida and
it gives you a special feeling just to go through it. Hope every state gives
such a tribute to our vets. They deserve it and more. |
| Name: |
Creighton Johnson - 06/12/00 22:37:50 |
| Comments: |
Planning a trip for four to go to New Orleans to see the
National D Day Museum |
| Name: |
SANDRA PICKRELL - 06/12/00 21:13:37 |
| Comments: |
GREAT, WE PLAN TO COME FROM PENSACOLA TO SEE YOUR MUSEUM
JUNE 18 2000. |
| Name: |
Ben F. Eppes - 06/12/00 19:37:32 |
| Comments: |
Most impressive. |
| Name: |
Luciano Muniz, Jr. - 06/12/00 16:21:29 |
| Comments: |
Will visit real soon..my father was in WWll and Korea..my
grandfathers, both fought in WWl..I just retired with 30 years of service
and my son was in the Marines for 4 years. My family has over 55 total years
of military service to the United States.. |
| Name: |
Avi Insler - 06/12/00 11:48:56 |
| Comments: |
I can't wait to visit the D-Day Museum. I studied all about
it and really look forward to touring the great museum. I especially like
the Higgins boats. |
| Name: |
Donald R. Mills - 06/12/00 06:18:25 |
| Comments: |
Just saw the "Opening" on C-Span. It was great to find out
about this Project. We are going to New Oreans next month for a visit. We
will sure have a look in on the Museum, thanks. |
| Name: |
DALTON TAYLOR - 06/11/00 21:10:53 |
| Comments: |
I WILL GET TO THE MUSEUM WITHIN THE NEXT 3 YEARS. THANK YOU
MR. AMBROSE AND ALL WWII VETS AND THEIR FAMILIES. |
| Name: |
Peter Ierardi - 06/11/00 20:13:43 |
| Comments: |
The D Day museum is great in that it reminds us of what we
can do when we come together as one. It is especially important to have this
museum at this point in history because those who lived through the war are
becoming fewer in number and it would be tragic if their stories were to
be forgotten. Now their stories will live on in the D Day museum for future
generations to see. |
| Name: |
mike g - 06/11/00 20:12:26 |
| Comments: |
America's finest generation at its finest hour!! We are eternaly
grateful. This is another reminder: FREEDOM ISN'T FREE! MAY GOD BLESS ALL
OF YOU! GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.! |
| Name: |
L. Keith Whittle - 06/11/00 17:20:39 |
| Comments: |
Thank you, Mr. Higgins, for designing and building these
boats which Eisenhower says won WW II. |
| Name: |
David Shogry - 06/11/00 15:12:45 |
| Comments: |
What a wonderful and long overdue tribute to our men! I can't
wait to take my children to the museum. My wife home schools our children
and we want them fully educated. My father [ Darrell Shogry ] was in the
Navy near the end of the war and is in poor health now. If anyone remembers
him please contact me, Thank you. David Shogry 10725 Clear Cove Tyler, Texas
75703 Phone # 903-534-0138 903-534-1535 or e-mail
DavShgry@aol.com
|
| Name: |
Robert J Szabo - 06/11/00 14:39:27 |
| Comments: |
Excellent Idea,--long overdue but when its time finally came
it was superbly done. |
| Name: |
Jerry Regan - 06/11/00 12:28:39 |
| Comments: |
I landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy on D-Day, 1944, in one
of the Higgins Boats . Jeremiah Regan, 293rd Joint Assault Signal Corps. |
| Name: |
Randolph Anding - 06/11/00 11:04:19 |
| Comments: |
Great job Thanks |
| Name: |
Guy Miller - 06/10/00 22:57:44 |
| Comments: |
I was thrilled to learn of the D-Day Museum and am determined
to make a pilgrimage to New Orleans within the next few years. I am grateful
to Mr. Ambrose for his part in this project. I have been intensely interested
in WW II since childhood (I'm 47 now) and I hope the focus on this vital
period of our history will not |
| Name: |
Ryan B. - 06/10/00 19:20:10 |
| Comments: |
This web site is the best source on the D-Day museum so far. |
| Name: |
L. Powers - 06/10/00 18:23:49 |
| Comments: |
Coming in July to see it! Looking for location and hours
info. online. |
| Name: |
Michael Williams - 06/10/00 17:53:35 |
| Comments: |
What an inspiring tribute to the men and women who rode these
boats into harm's way and to the men and women who built them. Congratulations! |
| Name: |
Steve Cook - 06/10/00 15:09:32 |
| Comments: |
I hope to visit the new museum with two WWII vets who are
special to me in October. Thanks to all who made this possible! |
| Name: |
george raymond - 06/10/00 10:15:07 |
| Comments: |
my dad, george raymond (sr) was a coxswain of a higgins boat.
he served in the south pacific and rarely speaks of the war. if anyone reading
this e-mail remembers serving with my dad please e-mail me and share any
memories you might have. my dad and mom are living in barefoot bay, florida
just north of fort pierce where he trained before going overseas. |
| Name: |
John Riggs - 06/10/00 10:03:44 |
| Name: |
Brian Henson - 06/09/00 19:02:04 |
| Comments: |
I think its a great thing what Stephen Ambrose has done for
WWII veterans. Like Wally Parr said they have given all their tomorrows for
your today! |
| Name: |
Lee-Anne Distler - 06/09/00 17:03:49 |
| Comments: |
My Dad went ashore on Okinawa in a Higgins boat. He was a
21 year old boy from Indiana who was running a used furniture store at the
time and knew nothing about the war except that he had a duty to serve his
country! He received the news of my birth when he was manning a radar station
in the middle of a pineapple field on Oahu. Thank you for recognizing the
sacrifice he made. I have always been so very proud of my Mom and Dad and
I'm making plans now to bring him to New Orleans. Mom says she'll take a
pass because she still doesn't want to face the reality of what he went through.
She manned the homefront until he returned to his family, and their lives
went on from there, very quietly and without fanfare. You'll never know how
much this means to me. I can't imagine my sweet Dad going ashore in battle.
The only thing I know is how he lived his life from that point on. Thank
you for giving this voice to these gentle men and their wives and families
who waited at home. |
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| Name: |
Renee R. Higgins - 06/09/00 16:17:55 |
| Comments: |
I watched a special about the Higgins Boat on KCET and was
quite surprised to find out someone with the same last name as mine did something
so extraordinary. Wonder if I'm related? |
| Name: |
JOHN B FAY - 06/09/00 15:06:41 |
| Comments: |
Enjoyed the tour. As a history buff - this was great!! |
| Name: |
MATT R BLAND 111 - 06/09/00 14:27:11 |
| Comments: |
GREAT SITE IT`S ABOUT TIME THE WW2 VETS AND AMERICAN INDUSTRY
ARE HONORED. AMERICA IS SOME WHAT LOST AND A BIT LAZY AND WE HAVE A LOST
GENERATION OR TWO RIGHT NOW ,BUT LET THERE BE ANOTHER ATTACK LIKE DEC 7 1941
I BELIEVE THE TRUE "AMERICANS" WOULD EMERGE IN FORCE AN WELL ARMED, FOR SURE
IF THE ATTACK AFFECTED THEIR 401 OR STOCK PLANS. I PLAN TO VISIT THE N.O.
WW2 MUSEUM SUNDAY. MY FATHER (DECEASED) SERVED IN THE ARMY IN WW2 IN THE
PACIFIC AND WAS NEVER WOUNDED HE USED TO SAY "JUST DAMM LUCKY I GUESS" THANKS
AGAIN MATT (VIETNAM 69/70 AND DAMM LUCKY I GUESS) |
| Name: |
Peter Kozicki - 06/08/00 21:09:56 |
| Comments: |
This website is pretty cool. |
| Name: |
Sylvia Marchese - 06/08/00 18:37:47 |
| Comments: |
My father, Simon Danigole, worked for Higgins during the
war, and was proud of the work he did. When the project began, we intended
to visit the workers to see if any of his friends were there. However, he
died 7/27/1997. He would have truly enjoyed seeing the replica at the museum.
Thank you for all you have done. |
| Name: |
Roger Shook - 06/08/00 18:32:43 |
| Comments: |
my Dad was in the Battle of Bulge, I only Wish he was
alive to see this. Nice Job! |
| Name: |
Tom Benny Howell - 06/08/00 17:57:43 |
| Comments: |
my dad came over on your Boat it is very good to see the
boat and your museum. thank you |
| Name: |
John Forrette - 06/08/00 17:48:07 |
| Comments: |
An excellent salute to a superior product that delivered
the "goods". |
| Name: |
Warren Hall - 06/08/00 17:20:52 |
| Comments: |
I am very thankful for the freedoms given me, by Vets. |
| Name: |
Gerald D. "Jerry" Meyer - 06/08/00 13:57:17 |
| Comments: |
I really enjoyed the website. I'm a history teacher here
in Columbus, Nebraska. Birthplace of Andrew Jackson Higgins. I was shocked
that most people in the community hadn't heard of this man. Keep the history
alive! You're doing a great job! |
| Name: |
John R. Bloomer Sr. - 06/08/00 10:49:28 |
| Comments: |
8 June, 2000: Time 1040 Hours CDST I read, with interest,
an article in the ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH about the museum and the building
of an LCM from scratch by retired workers. I was a crew member of the U.
S. S. DENVER (CL-58) in the South Pacific during WWII and saw many LCMs in
action, landing troops at those God forsaken Islands, saw mortar shells land
in some of them as they approached the beach, saw others riddled with gun
fire and all aboard killed. DENVER covered invasion at Guadacanal, Guam,
Siapan, Iwo Jima and participated in the Battle of Surigao Strait as well
as Leyte in the Philippines. Lots of LSTs, LCVPs and LCMs in use. We were
lucky, only lost 21 men. LCM's were also used to bring mail, food, and all
types of supplies to DENVER at anchor and used as Liberty Boats to the 2-beer
liberty on deserted islands. Hope to get down there to see your exhibit.
John R. Bloomer Sr. Veteran of WWII, 4902 Longview Ave., Godfrey, Il 62035-1643,
Past President U. S. S. DENVER (CL-58) Association, Inc. |
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| Name: |
V. HECHLER - 06/08/00 10:00:39 |
| Comments: |
just recently learned the importance of the Higgins boat...very
interesting and educational. |
| Name: |
Jim King - 06/08/00 09:20:59 |
| Comments: |
My time was spent on a "Tin Can", but do remember in 1958
when I went into the navy, some of the Higgins Boats were still around. The
article in the Tulsa World was very interesting. Will have to visit the boat
in New Orleans. Jim King |
| Name: |
Abbie Gore - 06/08/00 09:15:01 |
| Comments: |
I cannot wait to visit this museum!!! |
| Name: |
Warren Dodge - 06/08/00 00:50:45 |
| Comments: |
I was a Radio Operator with the USNavy stationed aboard the
Coast Guard ship USS Bayfield, APA-33 in the Normandie invasion at Utah Beach.
My wife and I will be going to New Orleans just to see the D-Day Museum. |
| Name: |
Ted Lightsey - 06/07/00 22:51:06 |
| Comments: |
Thank you for a great effort. Words are inadequate to express
the thanks you truly deserve. |
| Name: |
Ronnie J Mizell - 06/07/00 21:33:27 |
| Comments: |
Sgt-E6 US ARMY Vietnam 67-68 |
| Name: |
Donald Begley - 06/07/00 20:28:09 |
| Comments: |
THANK YOU to the many defenders of FREEDOM you have brought
to our national attention. As many others have proved IT is never FREE. My
uncle Russ served with the CBs during WWII in the Pacific and I talked to
him about the Higgins boat today. Outstanding project. |
| Name: |
Gaétan Pépin - 06/07/00 18:35:06 |
| Comments: |
I have great admiration and respect for all those war veterans
of world war II |
| Name: |
elliott miller - 06/07/00 18:00:23 |
| Comments: |
it's such a splendid outcome to give appropriate emphasis
now to this critically important part of winning world war two. |
| Name: |
Kevin J. Gaffney - 06/07/00 15:43:44 |
| Comments: |
I look forward to visiting the National D-Day Museum. I teach
social studies at a private high school and find that many of the students
are particularly interested in this time of great endeavor by the United
States and her allies against the tyranny of the Axis powers. |
| Name: |
David - 06/07/00 14:35:55 |
| Comments: |
I am doing my Seminar paper on this subject to get a BA in
History, so I was wondering if any of you all know of other sources besides
the book posted on this web page. Any cooperation would be greatly appreciated. |
| Name: |
Nita Pickens - 06/07/00 14:28:14 |
| Comments: |
If your boat design helped to save lives and the world ,
I salute you and all the veterans of war.
Thank you |
| Name: |
Chris Haerbig - 06/07/00 14:17:48 |
| Comments: |
Thank you for your dedication to keeping history alive. I
salute you! I can't wait until my sons are old enough to see your work first
hand. Thanks! |
| Name: |
Bob & Joan Sass - 06/07/00 14:13:24 |
| Comments: |
May God forever bless you all who persevered to keep our
nation free from Nazi and Japanese tyranny. Keep this precious memory alive! |
| Name: |
J. Miesner - 06/07/00 13:28:29 |
| Comments: |
Having been to Normandy, and having both read the books of,
and heard, Stephen Ambrose, speak in person, I am left only to venture to
New Orleans to see the reconstructed Higgins boat. Thanks for all the work
on the boat project, the Museum and this website. |
| Name: |
Jacques E. Boucher - 06/07/00 12:44:39 |
| Comments: |
As a former Canadian Navy veteran and my dad also, we were
very impressed with this landing craft, Dad was on HMCS HURON, Tribal class
destroyer on D-Day and I during Korean War. Best regards and keep up the
very good work. |
| Name: |
Donna Reeser, Ambrose Office Assistant - 06/07/00
11:03:01 |
| Name: |
David S. Engler - 06/07/00 10:59:41 |
| Comments: |
Ladies and Gentlemen, your efforts have been astounding and
to be congratulated. I want to thank you for helping to keep alive the memory
of the extreme sacrifices made by so many, so that we could live in peace
and freedom.
I am only 30 years old, and so many members of my generation have no
understanding of the events of WW II and how significant the efforts made
by our soldiers and our citizens during a time of world crisis. Efforts such
as yours are a vital and needed resource for our country, our heritage, and
our national awareness.
"Those who do not learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them."
We must never forget..... NEVER. |
| Name: |
Jim Paras - 06/07/00 09:56:09 |
| Comments: |
As a Boat Coxswain, in five landings, using the Higgin's
LCVP's in in each one and looking forward to visiting the museum. |
| Name: |
VIC SAUCIER - 06/07/00 08:57:50 |
| Comments: |
GOD BLESS ALL YOU WHO HAVE GIVEN SO MUCH THAT WE MIGHT ENJOY
THE FREEDOM WE SO TAKE FOR GRANTED. I WILL FOREVER KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS!
JMJ |
| Name: |
Marion Caldwell - 06/07/00 08:17:43 |
| Comments: |
Thanks for keeping the memories alive. |
| Name: |
Jerry Dubose - 06/07/00 07:52:30 |
| Comments: |
Tremendous thanks to Steven Ambrose for bringing back into
focus, something that too many Americans have forgotten, and too many younger
people, know nothing about. It is the consensus of too many people that the
liberty to be whatever we want to be, no matter how obnoxious, or vulgar
is a God given right. It pains me to think, that the sugar, rubber, &
gasoline rationing that we voluntarily participated in back then, would be
a total failure today. In my opinion, the first 20 minutes of "Saving Private
Ryan" should be required viewing of every teenage school child in America.
God bless you, Mr. Ambrose. |
| Name: |
Phil Anderson - 06/07/00 01:16:37 |
| Comments: |
I savor every book or item I see that tells me more about
the heroes of WWII. The D Day Museum is on my list to visit as soon as I
can. |
| Name: |
August P. Marquez III - 06/07/00 00:58:53 |
| Comments: |
My Father August P. Marquez Jr. fought in the south pacific.
on Guadalcanal. probably one of the first to land. how can I get more information
on soldiers in this theater. |
| Name: |
ronald williams - 06/07/00 00:54:37 |
| Comments: |
I have always been fascinated with the events of worldwar
2. May God bless you Mr. Ambrose. |
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