Plus, free admission for all to Family and Military Appreciation Block Party on Nov. 14
NEW ORLEANS — 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 begins at 11:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed. This year’s ceremony will feature remarks from Captain Elmer “Royce” Williams, USN (Ret.), WWII veteran and Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient, as well as the presentation of the MMAC Veteran of the Year award to retired US Navy Rear Admiral James D. Olson.
The Veterans Day Commemoration is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [Grant No. MA-257854-OMS-25].
Then, on Friday, Nov. 13, the Museum will host its 2026 Victory Ball, an evening celebrating America’s servicemembers past and present; Williams will be featured as Guest of Honor. This annual fundraiser, presented by Timber and Peggy Floyd, supports the Museum’s ongoing preservation efforts, educational initiatives, and public programming.
Festivities continue Saturday, Nov. 14, with the Museum’s annual Family and Military Appreciation Block Party, which will provide free Museum admission, kid-friendly activities and entertainment to all visitors. It will be a day of hands-on activities celebrating the military experience, from World War II to today, inspired by the Museum’s special exhibitions Drawn to Combat: Bill Mauldin and the Art of War and Come Back Fighting: USS New Orleans at War. Activities include interactive experiences hosted by military partners, free facepainting and sno-balls, and live performances.
Museum and Block Party admission is free for all visitors thanks to the generosity of Timber and Peggy Floyd.
WHEN:
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE:
US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Online: Veterans Day Commemoration
CONTACT:
Keith Darcey
Senior Director of Communications
keith.darcey@nationalww2museum.org
504.528.1944 x488 office
504.250.2929 mobile
The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, the institution celebrates the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front. For more information on Tripadvisor’s #1 New Orleans attraction, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit nationalww2museum.org.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and X.