Tarawa

The following are photos from the Museum's Collection. They were taken by Norm Hatch on Tarawa. The bloody Battle of Tarawa was fought from November 20 - 23, 1943.

Inspiring our Youth

The museum's motto is "We Inspire our Youth by Honoring our Heroes."

This college professor is doing his part in carrying out our motto by bringing students to learn the history of the Pacific War and the generation of heroes that fought that war.

We have an ongoing program for museum visitors to write letters to wounded servicemen and women at BAMC in San Antonio. This letter was written by one of our younger visitors and hopefully will bring a smile to one of today's wounded heroes.

America's White Table

This post was made around Memorial Day but I believe that it deserves to be posted again on Veterans Day.

During patriotic holidays, including Veterans Day, a model of America’s White Table will be set up to honor those men and women who serve(d) in the United States’ Armed Forces. The tradition of placing the table began with a group of Vietnam fighter pilots but has now extended to honor all of those serving this country all around the world. Margot Theis Raven, author of the children’s book, America’s White Table said, “The point is every single day of freedom is brought to you by that person who is not sitting there.”

The small table signifies one lone serviceman’s battle against many. The white cloth honors our comrade’s pure heart for answering his country’s call to duty. The lemon slice and grains of salt represent the captive serviceman’s bitter fate and the tears of his family awaiting his return. A black napkin is placed for the sorrow of captivity. The glass is upside down for the meal that won’t be eaten. The white candle and the red rose represent peace and hope for the serviceman’s return. The empty chair at the table is for the missing serviceman.

“You are not forgotten so long as there is one left in whom your memory remains.”

The Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month

Veterans Day was originally established as a holiday to honor and memorialize those men who fought in World War I. World War I officially ended on June 28, 1919 when the Treaty of Versailles was signed. However fighting ceased more than seven months earlier with an armistice that went into effect at 1100 on November 11, 1918. Originally, the day was known as Armistice Day because World War I was to be the war to end all wars. Following World War II, which required the greatest mobilization of all branches of the military in the nation’s history, and after the Korean War, the word “Veterans” took the place of “Armistice.” On June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. For a brief time, Veterans Day was to serve as one of four national holidays that would be on a Monday to ensure a three-day weekend for the people, but because of the historical significance of November 11 it was returned to that date. Today we honor veterans from all wars, both past and present, for their service, honor, and courage.

Come out to the Memorial Courtyard at the National Museum of the Pacific War at 11:00 am on Thursday for a commemoration program. Senator John Cornyn will be presenting the Keynote Address. It is a free program and all are welcome!

To all of those who have served, thank you!