World War II Heritage City facts for kids

The World War II Heritage City is a special award given by the National Park Service in the United States. It honors American cities or regions that did a lot to help during World War II. It also recognizes their ongoing efforts to remember and protect their military history.

How This Award Started

Donald Trump speaks in September 2020. He is announcing that Wilmington, North Carolina is the first World War II Heritage City.

The idea for the World War II Heritage City program came from Wilbur D. Jones Jr.. He was a retired United States Navy captain and a historian who studied military events. He first thought of this idea around 2008.

This special award became a law in 2019. United States Senator Thom Tillis and United States Representative David Rouzer helped create the law. Then, President of the United States Donald Trump signed it. This made it Public Law 116–9.

In September 2020, Wilmington, North Carolina was named the very first World War II Heritage City.

What Makes a City a Heritage City?

Any city can become a World War II Heritage City if it meets certain rules. First, the city must have made a big difference to the American war effort during World War II. This means they helped a lot with things like making supplies or training soldiers.

Second, after the war ended, the city must have worked hard to keep its military history alive. This could mean preserving old buildings or creating museums.

The United States Secretary of the Interior is the person who decides which cities get this award. Only one city or area can be chosen from each state or territory. Other places, like counties or towns, can also be chosen for this special honor.

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
• 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

See also

• Hero City (Soviet Union)