'Phenomenal' war exhibit on display at Base Gagetown

A new display has opened at the New Brunswick Military History Museum, located on the 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown just ahead of the 72nd anniversary of D-Day.

From Vimy to D-Day is travelling across the country to highlight Canada's involvement in both World Wars.

• Vimy Ridge cave carvings in Montreal 3D exhibit recall soldiers' lives underground

Fred Gallant, a veteran whose father fought in the Second World War, has visited Normandy and said the display gives people "a great perspective" of what happened there on June 6, 1944.

"I think it's phenomenal," he said. "It's a story line I think that they get quite a lot out of it."

The travelling exhibit was made by the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy. The not-for-profit charity is hoping museums will be able to use parts of their current collection to augment its local significance.

Museum curator Greg Fekner thinks it's a big addition to a location he wishes more New Brunswickers would visit.

"I think what really scares a lot of people is it's on a military base," he said. "I, for one, am a civilian and gaining access, you know, it's made available."

Volunteer Pte. Jordan Mercer wears a Second World War uniform to welcome guests into the museum.

"It means a lot to me actually," he said. "The Canadian armed forces has a long history, a very rich history. And I'm very honoured to be a part of it."

The exhibit will be on display at the museum until June 26. It will appear at locations around the country until next April, with funding support from the Department of Canadian Heritage.