ATTRACTIONS
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PACIFIC WAR A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE I
nterweaving the stories of America, China, Japan and other Asian countries, the chronicle of how World War II was won in the Pacific can be found in Fredericksburg at the National Museum of the Pacific War. The museum, now a Smithsonian Affiliate, honors the more than 100,000 Americans who gave their lives in the war against Japan by “truthfully and respectfully telling the story of their struggles, their sacrifices and their triumphs.” The museum also honors the eight million Americans who served in World War II across the globe. Formerly known as the Nimitz Museum, in honor of Fredericksburg’s native son, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, it was renamed to respect the wishes of Nimitz who wanted to ensure that all of the men and women who served and supported the war effort were honored. Nimitz served as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean Areas and led the naval victory against Japan. Having achieved the rank of Fleet Admiral before his final victories, Nimitz signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on behalf of the United States in the historic ceremony aboard the USS Missouri. Nimitz is memorialized with an eight-foot bronze statue that stands on the museum grounds. “The National Museum of the Pacific War connects people to the experiences and stories of those The museum also strives to preserve the memories affected by World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific of those who served there and those who never Theater by interpreting its enduring relevance,” said returned home as well as facilitate programs that a spokesperson for the museum. honor and support all veterans, past and present. This mission of the museum is to “Operate and MAIN MUSEUM CAMPUS support the state-owned museum experience Encompassing six acres, museum visitors can through its extensive collection, to educate and explore 33,000 square feet of indoor exhibits inspire present and future generations about featuring dozens of media presentations, almost World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and the 1,000 artifacts in climate-controlled cases, 15 continued global relevance of its lessons.” macro-artifacts and hundreds of photographs.
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Spring&Summer2021
