From left, Tennessee Aquarium President and CEO Keith Sanford; Maj. General Bill Raines, U.S. Army (Retired) MOHC Board of Trustees chair; Keith Hardison, MOHC executive director
Thanks to an outpouring of community support, Tennessee Aquarium President and CEO Keith Sanford was able to present a $5,000 check to staff of the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.
People arrived at the Aquarium’s IMAX Theater in waves for the special 75th Anniversary screenings of D-Day 3D: Normandy 1944. They not only had an opportunity to experience this powerful film, they were also able to interact with Heritage Center staff and volunteers who had set up displays of D-Day artifacts to commemorate the anniversary of the battle that helped change the course of history.
The special screenings were so popular with local audiences that two additional screenings were added to the theater’s lineup.
“Chattanooga is a very patriotic community and there was tremendous response for this film and the veterans who served during World War II,” Mr. Sanford said. “We are pleased that a portion of the proceeds will help support the ongoing construction of exhibits currently underway at the Heritage Center.”
“We are extremely grateful for this partnership," said Major General Bill Raines. "The Aquarium IMAX Theater gave our community the opportunity to learn about the courage and sacrifices of the World War II forces who helped liberate Europe and bring peace to the region. Of the hundreds of thousands of men, 12 soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the invasion of Normandy. We are also thankful for the opportunity to share the mission of the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center and provide a sneak preview of the facility, which is scheduled to open next spring.”
In all, approximately 3,500 people have been awarded the nation’s highest military award, including 32 Tennesseans.
The Heritage Center will become the national home and lasting tribute for these genuine American heroes when the Heritage Center opens next to the Tennessee Aquarium in the spring of 2020. Learn more at http://mohm.org/