G.I. Museum in Ocean Springs honors D-Day
Locally, a museum in Ocean Springs pays tribute to the lives lost on D-Day.
On the anniversary of D-Day, we honor those who gave their lives for our country. At the G.I. Museum in Ocean Springs, they strive to preserve history and remind Americans of the cost of freedom.
Today marks the 79th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6th, 1944, troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. Troops from the air, land, and sea worked together, winning the battle of Normandy, but costing over 4,000 Allied Troops lives.
The G.I. Museum in Ocean Springs preserves artifacts representing generations of Americans who have served America. G.I. Museum Owner Doug Mansfield reminds us of the sacrifice made on the beaches of Normandy. “It was the courage, determination, and bravery of those men that actually got us off that beach and we could begin the liberation of Europe. You have to admire, respect, and remember, everything those men did that day.”
The museum displays real military helmets worn by paratroopers on D-Day and troop ‘dummies’ dropped from the sky. The G.I. Museum extends beyond D-Day, featuring military uniforms, weapons, and restored military vehicles.
Mansfield has seven uncles who fought in World War II, one of his favorites fought on D-Day. “My uncle Bill Holly, he was with the 29th infantry division, went ashore, first wave, Omaha Beach, at D-Day. At the end of the day, it was him, and one other man, whose last name was Holder, alive.”
For more information on visiting the G.I. Museum in Ocean Springs call 228-872-1943.
