NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Cheers, applause, and a standing ovation greeted World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors Friday (June 6) at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

The emotional reception marked the museum’s observance of the 81st anniversary of the Allied D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, a pivotal moment in World War II.

Sitting in his wheelchair, Alonzo “Jack” Emerson wore the bomber jacket he had with him when flying missions with what was then the Army Air Corps. He offered a sobering message to those unfamiliar with the war.

“War is destructive, and it should never happen. Both sides lose so much,” said Alonzo Emerson.

In addition to commemorating D-Day, Friday’s event also celebrated the museum’s 25th anniversary. When it first opened in 2000, it was known as the D

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