National D-Day Museum Offers 60th Anniversary End of World War II Italy Cruise with Veterans and Historians

NEW ORLEANS - April 22, 2005 - The National D-Day Museum (www.ddaymuseum.org), “America’s National World War II Museum,” assembles leading scholars, historians, and veterans to accompany participants on a once-in-a-lifetime, eight-day, seven-night cruise to Italy aboard the luxury ship Seabourn Legend, departing Monte Carlo, October 16, 2005. Developed by The National D-Day Museum to honor the young Americans who helped destroy the fascist regime during WWII’s “Forgotten Campaign,” the cruise raises additional funds toward the Museum’s expansion.
“Looking back more than 60 years, the ’soft underbelly of Europe’, as Churchill called Italy, was anything but,” notes National D-Day Museum CEO and President Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller. “Indeed, it was a pivotal point in the war that laid the groundwork for the D-Day invasion,” he explains. "The battle in Italy, often called the ’Forgotten Campaign,’ became a proving ground for the Allies’ capabilities on sea, land and air.
The tour represents a last-chance opportunity to hear the personal recollections from those who served in WWII.
“Since today’s veterans are in their 80s and 90s, this cruise is not only truly unique, but also a once-in-a lifetime, never-to-be-duplicated experience,” says George McGovern, B-24 Liberator Pilot, Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, former statesman, and tour participant. Additional participants are:
-Joe Persico, historian, biographer and best-selling author
-Ray and Irvin Wells, brothers and veterans of the 36th Infantry Division in Italy
-Donald L. Miller, American History professor and television commentator
-Douglas Porch, military history professor and scholar
-Robert Katz, author, journalist and a visiting professor at the University of California
-Peter Tompkins, WWII War Correspondent and OSS Secret Agent in Italy
-Dr. Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller, CEO and President of The National D-Day Museum
-Martin K.A. Morgan, The National D-Day Museum research historian
-Hugh Ambrose, historical consultant and former Vice President, The National D-Day Museum

The tour begins in Monte Carlo. continues along the Italian coastline with several on-land excursions along the Italian battle zone, and ends in Rome.

This package begins at $7,990 per person, double occupancy including accommodations, land excursions, entrance fees, full-time historians and logistical support, a tax-deductible donation to the museum, meals and beverages and many on-board amenities.

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