The New Orleans Saints typically practice on just nine of their ten allotted days for organized team activities; the remaining session is usually set aside for a team-building activity. Sometimes they spend a day playing paintball, divided into teams of players on offense and defense. Other times they go deep-sea fishing. This year, the Saints attended a private tour of the National World War II Museum, a New Orleans landmark.

Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune reported Wednesday that the Saints were welcomed by several World War II veterans and historians, who guided them on a tour of the “Road to Berlin” and “Road to Tokyo” exhibits. The team later viewed the 2009 film “Beyond All Boundaries,” which is shown exclusively at the museum. Their visit came on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, a huge Allied offensive that changed the tide of World War II.

Additionally, the Saints team website shared a photo gallery documenting the tour. It was obviously an educational experience for all involved. Many Saints players are active supporters of the military, whether they are joining USO Tours like Cameron Jordan did earlier this year or Drew Brees has done in the past. Demario Davis has spoken often about the influence his father, a 28-year Army veteran, had on his life. Michael Thomas credits his time at Fork Union Military Academy as having laid the groundwork for much of his personal success.

What an amazing day spent at @WWIImuseum with the @Saints. On the 75 anniversary of D-Day we spent our time remembering and honoring those men and women. I had the honor to meet “Leo” who served as an engineering who paved the way to Berlin. #75thAnniversaryDDay #TrueHeroes pic.twitter.com/NjTjVsD1Bw — Vince Biegel (@VinceBiegel) June 5, 2019

It’s obvious that military service was meaningful to the lives of many Saints players, and this museum tour definitely resonated with them. Maybe it will help them come together a little closer as a team ahead of training camp.