The National WWII Museum restores a P-51, the plane flown by the Tuskegee Airmen ("Red Tails") in World War II.

The National WWII Museum restores a P-51, the plane flown by the Tuskegee Airmen ("Red Tails") in World War II.

When The National WWII Museum first opened its doors on June 6, 2000, as The National D-Day Museum, legendary broadcaster Tom Brokaw and award-winning actor Tom Hanks were already among the ranks of its supporters. It was a natural fit for two men who have done so much to honor the personal stories of World War II, and the beginning of an enduring friendship with the Museum. Both Brokaw and Hanks have worked tirelessly throughout their careers to document the World War II story, educating millions of Americans about our shared history and strengthening the legacy of the greatest generation. On February 24, The National WWII Museum honored their remarkable careers with the presentation of its American Spirit Award.

On July 4, 2015, The National WWII Museum will open a new special exhibit called Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II. With generous funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the exhibition will feature artifacts, photographs, oral histories and associated educational programming to highlight some of the extraordinary achievements and challenges of African Americans during World War II, both overseas and on the Home Front.

The National WWII Museum President and CEO Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller today received the French Legion of Honor alongside Tom Brokaw and Tom Hanks at a private ceremony at the Grand Chancellery in Paris. The Legion of Honor Medal, which was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, acknowledges services rendered to France by persons of exceptional merit and accomplishments. It is the highest distinction awarded by the French government.