World War II Heritage City facts for kids

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

Donald Trump speaks at the designation of Wilmington, North Carolina as the first World War II Heritage City in September 2020.

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. 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.

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

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. 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. 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
• 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)