The expansion of a National World War II Museum in New Orleans will help visitors remember the worldwide mid-20th century conflict, veterans say.

Former U.S. Marine Bert Stolier, who served during World War II, said Friday the museum is integral because without such sites "there won't be anyone left to tell what went on in Europe and the Pacific," The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune reported.

Also on hand for the grand opening of the museum expansion was former U.S. Sen. George McGovern, who was a pilot during the war.

The former Democratic senator for South Dakota and presidential candidate said the museum "is in the business of glorifying the men and women who fought."

The museum expansion sits across the street from the museum's original building and the 70,000-square-foot addition will feature live performances patterned after the U.S. clubs soldiers visited prior to shipping off to fight the war.

The Times-Picayune said the expansion is part of a Battle Barksdale Parade Ground project that will add two more structures at an expected cost of $300 million. The project should be completed by 2015.