JULY 29, 2023 – As fans of all things military, we often hear people ask what they can do to support World War II memorials and preserve that slice of history. If you, too, are interested in preserving military history, have a look at these 5 WWII memorials and preservation efforts you can support.
Support WW2 Tour Packages
One of the key points is the preservation of history, which is to keep the memory alive. Never forget the sacrifices that so many brave men and women made, so that we can live free of tyranny and oppression. And the best way to keep these countless heroes alive in our hearts and minds is by visiting the places they fought.
Preserve their memory, by visiting the historical points of interest from World War 2. Many tours do this, but few capture the atmosphere of these important places of our past, like the Band of Brothers Tours. You’ll enjoy a feast of history and culture and a good chance of making some new friends along the way.
The 9-day package that starts in Paris and ends in Munich, is hard to beat. It includes accommodation and transportation, and of course, all the WW2 highlights like the D-Day Landing Beaches, Normandy American Cemetery, Dachau Concentration Camp, Eagle’s Nest and so much more.
Restore Lost WW2’s Treasures
If, like us, you’re interested in all facets of the World Wars, you’ll have heard of the Monuments Men and Women. These brave men and women risked their lives in World War 2, not by taking up arms, but by protecting the most artistic vulnerable treasures of the world.
They understood that every nation, and every culture, has a unique story to tell through its artworks. And they sought to retrieve artworks stolen by the Nazi regime and restore them to their rightful places and owners.
Do your part and complete their valiant mission that continues to this day. The Monuments Men and Women Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that seeks to raise awareness and continue with this noble duty. Do what you can to contribute to their work, whether it’s a financial donation or a donation of your time and expertise.
Visit WW2 Museums
WW2 museums all over the world have helped to educate the public about the horrors and tragedies of war. Without their tireless efforts to preserve wartime artifacts, many younger people could never experience seeing a plane or tank, or rifle from WW2 up close.
But many of these museums, especially the smaller ones, rely on private donations and the income from museum entrance tickets. Reward their hard work and dedication to preserve our military history, and visit as many of them as you can. Enjoy it as part of a stress-free family outing, and show your support.
Be sure to include the National World War 2 Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana on your museum bucket list. Formerly known as the National D-Day Museum, it houses exhibits commemorating the battles of WW2, including Normandy.
Get Involved With Historic Preservation
No matter where you live, chances are that there will be a historic monument or site nearby, and some of these will be WW2 memorials. These places of interest must be properly maintained so that future generations can also visit them. So consider volunteering with a reputable preservation society.
Contact an organization like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and learn how to become a preservation partner. They oversee the preservation of several WW2 memorials, as well as endangered places, and other historically significant institutions scattered across the US.
Enquire how you can help to support their ongoing historical preservation efforts of WW2 memorials and places of interest. You’ll discover more about the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Alabama, Battleship Cove in Massachusetts, the War Memorial in Michigan and so much more.
Befriend A Veteran
Roughly 70 million people fought in World War II between 1939 and 1945, and thousands of them are still alive in the US today. But sadly, they will soon no longer be with us, because of advanced age. You may even know a few, whether they are relatives of yours or neighbors in your community.
Befriend these veterans, and listen to their stories. Many of them lost friends and loved ones in the war, whose bodies they did not find. Take a road trip to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
This historic monument pays homage to the many brave soldiers who never made it home, and they could not identify whose remains. We may not have known them in their lifetimes, but we can honor them in ours, with a moment of quiet reflection and gratitude for their service.