NEW ORLEANS (January 27, 2009) – The National World War II Museum’s Education Department recently launched its 5th annual High School On-line Essay Contest and its 3rd annual Middle School Art Contest in January.  The theme this year is based on the Museum’s current special exhibit, Fighting For Democracy: Who is the “We” in “We the People”?, is E Pluribus Unum: How Then / How Now? 

Students from across the country are invited to submit essays and artistic works exploring how diversity helped the United States win World War II and how diversity continues to make the country vibrant and strong. Both contests come to a close on March 27, or when 500 submissions for each have been received. Winning entries will be announced May 1, 2009.

Fighting for Democracy presents the stories of seven Americans from various minority backgrounds who fought before, during and after WWII for their own equal rights and the equality of others.  The exhibit, on display at The National World War II Museum through May 17, is on loan from the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, an educational program of the Japanese American National Museum.

For contest rules, formatting and submission information, visit the For Students section of www.nationalww2museum.org/education.

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.  Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-527-6012 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org.