May 10th, 2010, “Night For The Museum” will be a moving story of courage and heroes during WWII. Hear how two families’ lives would be changed forever by an act of bravery in the war-torn country of Holland during WWII. “This is an amazing story that you don’t want to miss”, stated museum director Schelley Brown. This WWII story will be told by family members, Jan Elshout and Marcel VandenOord.Operation Market Garden was the code name of an operation planned by the allied forces to take control of three strategic bridges in Holland. The allied forces of Britain, the United States, and Poland sent in gliders and paratroopers into the countryside of Holland, which was heavily occupied by German forces. September of 1944 would change many lives fo
rever. Two soldiers, Tinsley Connell from Minden and Leo Elshout from Holland, crossed paths that September. This day would begin a journey that would become a life-altering event for both.Leo Elshout’s was honored for his actions during “Operation Market Garden” after coming to Minden. He received a Presidential Citation signed by then General Dwight D. Eishenhower and was presented with the King’s Medal for Courage by the Brithish Counsel in New Orleans. The Elshout and VandenOord families become productive Minden citizens and a part of our rich history.
The May event will be the last in the 2010 series of speakers before the summer break. Events are
held at Christopher’s, 615 Main St. in downtown Minden, La. Doors open at 5:30 with refreshments served at 6:00 p.m. Admission to each event is $5.00 per person. First-come, first-served seating. Guests are welcome to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert. For more information contact Schelley Brown at 318-423-0192. 