The Wandering Disciple

  A P-51 Mustang flies high over the World War II Museum in New Orleans.  The P-51 was a workhorse of the US Army Air Force during World War II.  Manufactured by North American Aviation, the P-51 was the primary choice to provide escorts for the heavier and slower bombers during bombing campaigns.  The aircraft saw war time service again during the Korean War before being retired by the Air Force in 1957.  Today the P-51 lives on in museums like the World War II Museum and in the civilian market with many Mustangs still air worthy and flying in air shows around the country.  (Photo: November 22, 2017)

The Higgins Boat was an unsung hero of World War II.  The landing craft was a crucial tool in the Allied troops attacks on beaches during the war.  It was so important to the effort that General Eisenhower claimed that if it wasn't for these vessels, they could have never stormed a beach.  The Higgins Boat here is on display at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.  As a result of the impact of these boats on the outcome of the war, it was decided to built the museum in New Orleans, home of Higgins Industries and the main location of the construction of these vessels.  (Photo: November 22, 2017)

"December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan..." These famous words led President Franklin D Roosevelt's address to the nation, declaring war against Japan following their surprise attack on the Naval base at Pearl Harbor. This action led to the United States entering World War II. You can learn more about the US involvement and walk through the history of the war at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. (Photo: November 22, 2017)

Flying high in the sky, its not a bird but a mustang.  The P-51 Mustang dominated the skies over World War II providing bomber escorts and downing Luftwaffe fighters.  Developed by North American Aviation and released in 1940, the P-51 Mustang was operated primarily by the United States Army Air Force and the Royal Air Force.  Today the P-51 continues to fly the air show circuit as well as maintained in museums around the globe like this one at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.  (Photo: November 22, 2017)

New Orleans, Louisiana:  Our third day of the trip was a day that I was really looking forward to, a trip to the National World War II Museum.  This museum was a highlight of the trip for me.  The morning started with breakfast at the hotel followed by a mile and a half walk to the museum.  On the way there, we passed through Lee Circle.  This park made history a few weeks ago as the statue of General Lee was removed from the top of the monument by city officials.  We got to the museum a little too early, so we stopped by a corner cafe for coffee before the museum opened. The museum complex for the National World War II Museum was massive.  It was situated in five buildings spanning several city blocks and is still growing.  There is a theme to the museum which follows through the timeline of the war.  The first building houses the exhibits that showcased what lead up to the war.  It also had exhibits on the Manhattan Project and...