The National World War II Museum is packed with veterans, historians and visitors this weekend.
Today is the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
The National World War II Museum — which opened as the National D-Day Museum in 2000 — is planning events throughout the day to remember the events that unfolded along the beaches of Normandy.
Among those attending are some of the veterans of that battle.
A museum spokesman underscores how important the D-Day mission was — because if Nazi forces succeeded in pushing Allied troops back into the English Channel there was no Plan B.
A ceremony kicked off the events at 6:30 a.m. Friday morning, coinciding with the start of the landing operation.
Visitors are getting a rare chance to tour a Higgins boat — the vessel that carried troops to shore.
First-hand accounts will be available through an oral history collection.
Panel discussions and lectures are scheduled throughout the day, with more events planned for Saturday.
