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Andrew Jackson Higgins
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(1886 - 1952)
- Born in Columbus,
Nebraska
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Your continued support is needed
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The following is a facsimile of
the Proclamation signed by Nebraska Governor, Mike Johannes, proclaiming
August 28 as the official Andrew Jackson Higgins Day.
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WHEREAS,
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Andrew Jackson Higgins, a native
Nebraska, was born in Columbus, Nebraska, on August 28, 1886:
and |
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WHEREAS,
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Mr. Higgins' design for shallow
draft boats was influenced by the Loup and Platte Rivers of Nebraska.
He attended Creighton University in Omaha prior to moving south
to start his own lumber business - extracting hardwood from southern
swamps; and |
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WHEREAS, |
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Mr. Higgins' knowledge of shallow
draft boats was sought after by oil companies, government agencies
and the military; and |
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WHEREAS, |
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In 1940, Mr. Higgins went to
the Philippines to purchase mahogany with his own capital.
He built landing crafts that he felt the country would need if
the United States became involved in World War II, showing great
foresight in providing for the welfare of this great nation; and |
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WHEREAS, |
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Mr. Higgins founded Higgins
Industries in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the designer and
producer of the famed LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel),
also called "Higgins Boat." This versatile craft was the
backbone of the strategic plan to defeat the Axis Powers during
World War II. His boats were instrumental in every invasion
during the war, including D-Day: and |
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WHEREAS, |
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During an interview on the
anniversary of D-Day, General, and later President, Dwight D.
Eisenhower said that Mr. Higgins" won the war for us." Eisenhower
stressed that, without the Higgins Boat, the whole invasion strategy
would have been different and more costly; and |
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WHEREAS, |
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Mr. Higgins died on August
1, 1952, and is buried in New Orleans. The National D-Day
Museum in New Orleans has honored him by having an exact replica
of a Higgins Boat as the centerpiece of the museum displays -
a rightful place for a great Nebraska hero. |
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Now, THEREFORE, |
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I, Mike Johanns, Governor of
the State of Nebraska, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM the 28th day of August,
2000 as
ANDREW JACKSON HIGGINS DAY
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In Nebraska, and I do hereby
urge all citizens to join in remembrance of this extraordinary
hero of World War II.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have
hereunto set my hand, and cause the Great Seal of the State of
Nebraska to be affixed this Ninth day of August, in the year of
our Lord Two Thousand.
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