“Everybody contributed. Anybody who had aluminum in their house…we would have drives going out, knocking on everybody’s door and saying ‘Give us all your aluminum pots and pans.’ And we would have these great big drives to see which kid could bring home the most. Sure, you had to sacrifice… but you just did it.”
Oral History of Bob Gurr
Los Angeles, CA
World War II placed great demands on the American people, requiring a level of involvement, commitment, and sacrifice unknown in previous conflicts. While 16 million men and women donned our country’s uniform over the course of the war, another 116 million Americans served as Home Front workers and volunteers, playing a crucial role in their own important ways.
Here at The National WWII Museum, we are honored to tell the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—a story that is more relevant today than ever.
During this current time of uncertainty and global hardship, we draw inspiration from the legacies of those who served on the front lines and on the Home Front. In fact, it was 75 years ago this week that Allied forces victoriously accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. While we often call to mind the ticker-tape parades and celebrations in the streets, V-E Day also represents the hopefulness, peace, and freedom that was secured thanks to the enormous sacrifices made by all Americans.
Just as it was 75 years ago, it will once again be up to all Americans, working together with individuals across the world, to display acts of commitment, ingenuity, teamwork, and sacrifice to help our communities recover from this crisis.
Today, the Museum is participating in Giving Tuesday Now, a global generosity movement inspiring people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. On this important day, we ask that you join the Giving Tuesday Now effort by contributing a gift of any size to support The National WWII Museum.
Although the Museum remains temporarily closed, our work continues. With your incredible generosity, we will be able to extend our online outreach to even larger national and international audiences, better serve the needs of students and teachers, and attract new generations to study, research, and write about the American experience in World War II.
I hope you will consider supporting our important efforts to ensure that Americans of all ages are inspired by the great legacies of the WWII generation. Just like in the war effort, every bit helps as we continue sharing the stories of service and sacrifice made by so many 75 years ago—and reminding others of its everlasting significance today.
We’re all in this together,
Stephen J. Watson
President & CEO