World War II Heritage City explained

World War II Heritage City (officially American World War II Heritage City) is an honorary designation applied by National Park Service of the United States government to an American city or region in recognition of its contributions to the war effort of World War II and its continuing work to preserve its military history.

History

The idea for the World War II Heritage City program was originated by Wilbur D. Jones Jr., a retired United States Navy captain and military historian, in about 2008.^[1] The designation was made law in an act sponsored by United States Senator Thom Tillis and United States Representative David Rouzer and signed by President of the United States Donald Trump in 2019 as Public Law 116–9.^{[2] [3]}

In September 2020, Wilmington, North Carolina was designated the first World War II Heritage City.^[4]

Criteria

Any city credited with a major contribution to the American war effort during World War II and which, since the end of hostilities, has actively endeavored to preserve its military legacy can be designated a World War II Heritage City.^[1] The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to designate cities. No more than one such city in any single state or territory can be named.^[5] Other jurisdictions, such as counties, towns, or townships are eligible.

List of Heritage Cities

• Foley, Alabama
• Tempe, Arizona
• Richmond, California
• East Hartford, Connecticut
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Pensacola and Escambia County, Florida, Florida
• Savannah and Chatham County, Georgia
• Evansville, Indiana
• Waterloo, Iowa
• Wichita, Kansas
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Baltimore County, Maryland
• Springfield, Massachusetts^{[6] [7]}
• Pascagoula, Mississippi
• Johnson County and Warrensburg, Missouri
• Lewistown, Montana
• Hastings, Nebraska
• Boulder City and Henderson, Nevada
• Paterson, New Jersey
• Los Alamos County, New Mexico
• Yonkers, New York
• Wilmington, North Carolina
• Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Oak Ridge, Tennessee
• South Texas Bend area and Corpus Christi, Texas
• Bedford County, Virginia
• Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland), Washington
• Manitowoc, Wisconsin
• Casper and Natrona County, Wyoming^[8]

See also

• Hero City (Soviet Union)

Notes and References

1. News: Bonner . Bob . Wilmington set to become America's first World War II Heritage City . September 14, 2020 . . September 2, 2020.
2. News: Wilmington could be first WWII Heritage City after bill signed into law . September 14, 2020 . . March 12, 2019.
3. Web site: United States Code . house.gov . . September 14, 2020.
4. News: Hilburn . Rachel . President Trump To Declare Wilmington First Official World War II Heritage City . September 2, 2020 . . September 14, 2020.
5. Web site: American World War II Heritage City Program . nps.gov . . September 14, 2020.
6. Web site: City of Springfield Designated an American World War II Heritage City by National Park Service - Springfield Armory National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) .
7. https://www.springfield-ma.gov/cos/news-story?tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=16042&cHash=df98fa6c04cdd81241285cd99218c863
8. Web site: National Park Service announces new American World War II Heritage Cities - Office of Communications (U.S. National Park Service) .