Pictured from left to right are Charlie Arant, Tennessee Aquarium president and CEO, Jim Wade, National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History executive director, Dan Saieed, National Medal of Honor Museum Board Chairman.
There were many handshakes and heartfelt expressions of thanks one week ago as guests greeted the World War II veterans who came to the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater to commemorate the 70thAnniversary of D-Day.
Some were among the invasion forces who landed on the beaches of Normandy, others shared their stories of service in other parts of Europe, Africa or the remote islands of the South Pacific. One veteran even recounted his time on submarine duty patrolling underwater virtually from Pole to Pole.
In recognition of their sacrifice, the Aquarium partnered with the National Medal of Honor Museum of Military History to present special screenings of D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944. The proceeds from the two D-Day Anniversary screenings brought in $5,000 to benefit the Museum’s campaign to build a permanent home in Chattanooga. “We were honored to have so many veterans at IMAX with so many guests joining them to pay tribute to their service,” said Charlie Arant, the Aquarium’s president and CEO. “Hopefully this showing of support inspires others to contribute to the Museum’s mission.”
Due to strong community interest, additional screenings of the film have been added to the Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater schedule.D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944 will be shown at 6 p.m. daily through the 4th of July weekend.
Narrated by NBC’s Tom Brokaw, the film blends archival footage with computer generated imagery to recount the monumental events before, during and after the Normandy invasion. “The film does a fantastic job of reminding us of what was at stake prior to D-Day and the incredible, coordinated effort it took to turn the tide of World War II,” said Jim Wade, executive director of the Medal of Honor Museum. “And, the movie reminds us all why World War II veterans are considered by many the Greatest Generation.”