AI Preserves D-Day Veterans' Legacy at National World War II Museum

Through innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the National World War II Museum is ensuring that the firsthand accounts of D-Day veterans continue to resonate for generations to come, as the number of surviving veterans dwindles with each passing year.

On June 6, 2024, the 80th anniversary of D-Day will be commemorated, a pivotal moment in World War II when Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, is dedicated to preserving the memories of those who fought in the war, and they have harnessed the power of AI to give visitors a unique opportunity to interact with the veterans and hear their stories firsthand.

The museum's "Voices from the Front" exhibit features 18 World War II veterans, including Tolley Fletcher, who served on a ship outside the Normandy beaches on D-Day. Visitors can ask these veterans questions and receive real responses, creating a virtual conversation that transports them back in time.

Fletcher vividly recounts the events of that fateful day, describing the overwhelming presence of airplanes and the churning waters that made it perilous for soldiers to reach the shore. "I don't know anyone that doubted if we would win the war," he asserts, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the troops.

Peter Crean, the museum's vice president of education and access, explains the meticulous process behind capturing the veterans' stories. "They were interviewed volumetrically with nine cameras surrounding them, and we asked them more than 1,000 questions," he says.

The AI system analyzes visitors' questions and matches them with the most appropriate response from the veteran's recorded interviews. This technology ensures that each interaction is authentic and tailored to the visitor's inquiry, preserving the nuances and perspectives of each individual veteran.

Crean emphasizes the enduring value of these firsthand accounts. "A hundred years from now, somebody's children or grandchildren will be able to come here and actually have a conversation with a World War II veteran," he says. "That's the primary source material that is going to the source, and it's becoming, of course, ever so important as that generation is beginning to fade from history."

The AI system is continually learning from people's questions, making each response more precise and the experience more interactive with each use. By embracing this technology, the National World War II Museum is ensuring that the legacy of D-Day veterans will live on, inspiring future generations.