Author Stephen Ambrose, in Citizen Soldiers, stated that prior to the Battle of the Bulge Hitler issued a directive that the German attack should be preceded “by a wave of terror and fright and that no human inhibitions should be shown.” During the early days of the battle, German SS troops killed hundreds of soldiers ...
As World War II continued across Europe and the Pacific, the holiday season looked different for service members than what they experienced at home. As they dealt with the realities of war and separation from loved ones, Americans abroad did their best to celebrate. Join VWM Director of Education Jim Triesler and Archivist Sylvia Marshall ...
Join Director Clay Mountcastle as he recounts the historic, costly battles fought in the Ia Drang Valley of Vietnam on 14-18 November 1965. At LZ X-Ray and LZ-Albany, US soldiers clashed with the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) in a showcase of new helicopter use on the battlefield and the intensity that would mark the ...
American Army, Navy, and Air Forces, landed on the coast of French North Africa, on November 8, 1942. The invasion, commanded by Lieutenant General Dwight David Eisenhower, was designed to drive the Germans and Italians out of North Africa. Join VWM Director of Education Jim Triesler as he discusses the first step in the liberation ...
Celebrate the Marine Corps’ 249th birthday and to hear first-hand accounts from those who took the oath of enlistment. Register early for this virtual event: vawarmemorial.org/events Short link: https://bit.ly/47XvlLi ...
Participants choose from a 3, 7, or 14 mile hike. Plus, all hikers are welcomed to a fun after-party with live music from The Hot Seats, food from 1115 Mobile Kitchen, and lots of great beverages including a signature beer, the Blue Sky Kölsch, from Väsen Brewing. Post-Hike Party: 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Benefits Blue Sky's ...
Utilized by over one million ships since its opening in 1914, the Panama Canal is considered one of the Man-Made Wonders of the World. Constructed for the modern-day equivalent of $15.2 billion, the 51-mile-long canal has greatly reduced the time for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Join Virginia War Memorial Director ...
Celebrate the United States Navy’s 249th birthday. Register for this online only event: vawarmemorial.org/events Short link: https://bit.ly/3TrYmsC ...
Chester A. Arthur unexpectedly ascended to the role of President, and Commander-in-Chief, upon the assassination of President James A. Garfield in July 1881. Despite initial doubts from political adversaries, Arthur quickly proved himself through his commitment to compromise and his dedication to the American people over partisan interests. Although often overlooked in history books, his ...
Some of the most iconic words spoken throughout history were uttered by military commanders or their soldiers. From Washington, to Sherman, to Roosevelt and MacArthur, American commanders have left words of wisdom, and some nonsense, for us to dwell upon. In this program, Virginia War Memorial Director Clay Mountcastle will explore some of the most ...
Celebrate the Air Force’s 77th birthday and to hear first-hand accounts from Lieutenant Colonel Johanna O’Toole. Register early for this virtual event: vawarmemorial.org/events Short link: https://bit.ly/3YOdVy5 ...
During the Summer of 1939, Germany accused Poland of several incursions on its sovereign soil including an August 31 attack on a German radio station at Gleiwitz. Had Germany really been attacked? The following day, Germany demonstrated the use of Blitzkrieg, or lightning warfare, by attacking Poland. Join Virginia War Memorial Director of Education Jim ...
With their innate ability to return to their home lofts, pigeons played key roles as military messengers during World War II. In World War I, the U.S. military successfully employed pigeons for warfare communications. By World War II, pigeons delivered maps, photographic film, and messages that saved hundreds of lives with a 99% success rate ...
Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr. was the seniormost American general to die by enemy fire in World War II and the 20th Century when he was killed on June 18, 1945. His death ended a remarkable life, capped by command of Tenth Army in the Battle of Okinawa. Join Wisconsin Veterans Museum Director, Chris Kolakowski, as ...
Celebrate the Coast Guard’s 234th Birthday and hear fascinating history with Coast Guard Atlantic Area Historian, Dr. William Thiesen. Dr. Thiesen serves as a resource on Coast Guard questions related to service history and archaeology; as well as museum, artifact, outreach, or exhibit-related issues. He earned a master’s degree from East Carolina University’s Program in ...
At 15 minutes after midnight, two blinding explosions ripped open the bow of the USS Indianapolis, plunging it beneath the waters of the Pacific approximately 300 miles north of Peleliu. The date was Monday, July 30, 1945, and the former flagship of Admiral Spruance of the 5th Fleet had been sunk by a Japanese submarine ...
During the summer of 1932, thousands of World War I veterans descended upon Washington, D. C. to demand early payment of bonuses for time spent in the military. This “Bonus Army” included veterans and their families. The Attorney General of the United States ordered these protestors to be removed from government property. In July, General ...
Hill of Heroes Day is a community event welcoming guests of all ages for military demonstrations (including K9 demonstrations, virtual reality, Military vehicles, and others), kids activities and crafts, tours, a used book sale, live music, and more. Hill of Heroes Day kicks off their 2-week installation of American Flags on the hillside of the ...
In the years following World War II, turmoil gripped the Southeast Asian nation of Korea. With the fight of communism at its center, North and South Korea were locked in conflict; the North supported by communist China and the U.S.S.R., while the South was aligned with the United States. When the Armistice was finally signed, ...
Following the Civil War, emancipation was celebrated in similar ways, but on different dates that reflected the movement of freedom as it swept across the United States. In June 2021, the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act” was signed into law making June 19th a national holiday to commemorate the end of slavery and the first ...
Join US Army veteran and Director of the Virginia War Memorial, Dr. Clay Mountcastle, as he celebrates the 249th birthday of the US Army by discussing it’s many great qualities and a few of it’s shortcomings. History, personal experiences, and veteran recollections – and a little Army favoritism - all add up to painting a ...
Born May 29, 1917, John F. Kennedy served heroically in the Navy during WWII on PT-109. Following the war, he began his political career serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U. S. Senate, and as the 35th President of the United States. Join Virginia War Memorial Director of Education Jim Triesler as he ...
In the months following the Civil War, Americans began pondering how they could honor the sacrifices of their fallen soldiers. Individual ceremonies grew into community events and ultimately, a nationally recognized holiday. Join Virginia War Memorial Assistant Director of Education, Kyndall Drumheller, as she discusses the history and importance of this sacred day. Registration is ...
The R.M.S. Lusitania sailed from New York City with 1,310 passengers on May 1, 1915. The day of sailing was chaotic as strangers with foreign accents mysteriously warned passengers before boarding and telegrams were received by 50 passengers telling them not to sail. In disregard of the warnings, passengers knew the ship was strong and ...
Eleven times in American history, during five conflicts, Congress has issued a declaration of war. Join VWM Director of Education Jim Triesler as he explores the power to declare war and the times when this power has been exercised. Registration is needed: vawarmemorial.org/events ...
Five Days after the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, President Lincoln visited Ford’s Theater to see the play, “Our American Cousin.” During the performance, the President was shot by John Wilkes Booth. The next morning, a crowd waiting in the rainy streets of Washington, D.C., learned that the President had died. Join VWM ...
Join Virginia War Memorial Director of Education, Jim Triesler as he discusses the book, The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line, with author Major General Mari K. Eder, United States Army (Ret.). Come learn of the life and legacies of women who played an integral part in World War II as well as MG Eder’s ...
Virginia’s Executive Mansion boasts as the oldest occupied Governor’s dwelling in the United States. Join Education Logistics Manager, Kyndall Drumheller, as she speaks with Deputy Butler and Mansion Historian, Martin Townes, concerning the Mansion’s rich history and legacy. Townes’ family has been serving Virginia’s governors for over 40 years, as he is a part of ...
Bring your furry friends and participate in this event. The walk will honor all K9 military working and service dogs and also be an opportunity for you to bring your dog and walk to honor those dogs who have spent their lives in service. Preregister or register day of at 9:30 a.m.Walk begins at 10 ...
The Virginia War Memorial was dedicated on February 29, 1956, to honor the lives of Virginians who died in World War II and the Korean War. Since then, the Memorial has continued to remember the lives of Virginians lost to war, from Vietnam to the Global War on Terror. Join VWM Education Director Jim Triesler ...
