Towards the End

New Orleans Day 4

Grab-and-go breakfast was a little later this morning and the group met at 10:00 a.m. in the lobby. We sauntered over to the museum and plunged right into learning about the war by experiencing a submarine reenactment called Final Mission.

Before we set sail, Nathan gathered us in the space dedicated to aircraft and large vehicles. Later he taught us how aircraft strategically positioned themselves in formations.

The USS Tang submarine sank and most of us (them) did not survive.

Here is a blurb from the World War II website:

“The story of the USS Tang’s final mission will be told in the context of the US Navy’s evolution of tactics in submarine warfare. Initiated with the USS Wahoo, then carried further by the Tang and her commander, Richard “Dick” O’Kane (who had served as the executive officer on the Wahoo), this new strategy employed dangerous, risky engagement with the Japanese on the surface of the ocean. The result was devastating losses to Japanese shipping. But with increased effectiveness came increased vulnerability and, for the USS Tang, a high ultimate cost.”

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/visit/museum-campus-guide/us-freedom-pavilion/final-mission-uss-tang-experience

The reenactment lasted only about ten minutes and we only had ten people aboard the ship, but normally they put 27 in a very small space. I was glad our group had special treatment.

Next, we toured the Road to Berlin and the Road to Tokyo exhibits. There was so much to take in it is hard to describe it all. I will post some pictures and just say it felt like I was in the forests of Germany and in the jungles of the Philipines in just a matter of a few minutes.

Seeing a picture of Kurt Vonnegut and recalling his book Slaughter House Five, based on his experience in Dresden, was a highlight.

And, learning about the 10th Mountain Division that my friend Brad’s father and Bob Dole were a part of.

As I process this experience more, I will post my final thoughts about my dad and his part in the war in an upcoming post.

The museum is excellent and provides a unique opportunity for an immersion experience; however, this museum is not appropriate for small children and I saw maybe one or two children under the age of ten during the entire three days. There are so many pictures of dead bodies and bombings it was difficult for me to view at times and it would not be healthy viewing for small kids.

At the end of the morning, I imbibed a coke-float in the soda shop, browsed the book store, and returned to the hotel for a nap.

In the afternoon, I reentered the museum and viewed an interesting exhibit on art that was created by servicemen and prisoners of war. Premise: Men with time on their hands will use whatever materials are handy to create.

Sarah met us for a delicious steak and crab cake dinner in the private dining room of the hotel for our farewell gathering.

Most people are leaving in the morning and had to call an evening early.

I was exhausted and did the same.

I met some lovely people on this trip and I hope we will stay in touch.

I feel a bit saturated with information, but chatting at dinner it came apparent that I really missed my parents and grandparents and kept thinking how much they would have enjoyed the museum.

The music played in the background of the museum, in the hallways and restaurants, was usually of the Big Band genre. I heard Glenn Miller’s “Midnight Serenade” several times and “Chattanooga Choo-Choo”.

In the Arsenal of Democracy exhibit, the museum displays a typical home of the day displaying ration books and radios. I found it interesting that a picture of FDR was next to the fireplace in the home as I remember a picture of JFK in my grandparent’s home. Patricia, one of my fellow travelers, said she remembered a picture of the Pope in her grandparent’s home. We love our leaders!

The decorations in the kitchen and home were similar to my grandparents and it was a bit like stepping back into time and seeing my beloved family for just a minute or two.

I miss my parents and grandparents and for a few days, it has felt like they were back living with me again.

My friend Avery is driving over from Mobile, Alabama this morning to spend a couple of days with me. So, I may not write and publish for a few days. I will see how things go.

Thanks for reading and giving me feedback.

I truly appreciate all of you!