New Orleans World War II Museum pays tribute to D-Day veterans | News

World War II Veteran Tolley Fletcher Marks 80th Anniversary of D-Day at National World War II Museum

Tolley Fletcher, a World War II veteran, was just 19 years old when he manned an anti-aircraft gun on a wooden submarine chaser escorting troops onto Utah Beach on D-Day. Now, at 99 years old, he is the only living Louisianan who took part in Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy.

Fletcher was one of 10 World War II combat veterans who gathered at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The ceremonies included a remembrance gathering, a band performance, and a formal procession in which Fletcher and his fellow veterans participated.

The museum also hosted an open house exhibition featuring the “Living History Corps,” a group of reenactors staging interactive events from D-Day. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson delivered a keynote lecture, focusing on the defeat of Nazism in Europe and the lessons learned from the war.

Fletcher’s story, along with other D-Day highlights, is preserved at the museum in interactive recordings that allow visitors to question veterans about their experiences. Fletcher, who survived multiple battles during the war, including the invasion of North Africa, shared his gratitude for coming home unscathed.

As the museum continues to educate visitors about the events of World War II, Fletcher’s story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served. His experiences, from facing enemy fire to competing in the Senior Olympics, showcase the resilience and bravery of the Greatest Generation.