About me: The World War II era was a defining era for the United States, as well as the world.
It was the last time that America was united with one goal - good overcoming evil.
WWII was the largest war in human history.
Over 20,000,000 men and women served in America's Armed Forces the largest number to serve at one time.
Over 400,000 Americans died protecting the freedoms the United States were founded on.
The world changed before, during and after the war. Politics, news coverage, ethnic tolerance, women's equality, advancements in technology, military strategies, foreign policies and governments.
WORLD WAR II ON ALL FRONTS:
There are many museums in the United States that touch on World War II, focusing on a unit, a battle, or a region of the war. This museum will be one of the few that will cover the entire war, on the European and Pacific fronts, as well as the home front. The resource center will contain information on all aspects of the war and will be available though the use of a computer database accessible for free on the internet.
Kansas: Why, Where, and When?
Kansas has its own unique history tied to the World War II era. The Boeing plant in Wichita built B-29 bombers for the Pacific Theater. 13 prisoner of war camps were located in Kansas, housing German and Italian POWs. There were several air bases in Kansas including Topeka, Hutchinson and Winfield. A Red Cross and United Service Organization (USO) canteen was located in Newton at the railroad depot, serving over 2,000,000 service men and women. Lastly, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, Dwight D. Eisenhower's childhood home is located in Abilene.
For travelers, Kansas is centrally located fro travel through the U.S. with two major interstates, 1-70 and 1-135 connecting at Salina. The Kansas Turnpike, I-35, offers a direct route from Kansas City to Wichita.
Tentative plans include the Wichita Metro area a a potential site of the World War II History Center. Along with the other cultural and recreational options the Wichita Metro area offers, the World War II History Center will add yet another possible venue to attract tourists from around the country.
World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 1,700 per day. Dying with them are their memories, their experiences, and their patriotism which saw this country through some of its most difficult times.
OUR GOAL:
To be a valued contributor of cultural opportunities for the Wichita Metro area, as well as the surrounding communities.
To partner with area schools and colleges offering research opportunities, outreach programs, K-12 educational programs tied to Kansas State Standards, adult lecture series, summer programs, and internships.
To be a nationally recognized, regional-level museum and resource center, offering research capabilities, interactive exhibits and educational programs
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Who I'd like to meet: Men and women who have an interest or are pursuing an intrest in the Second World War. Also people who are willing to support the Center by spreading the word about us, volunteers, donations, but most of all helping us remeber those who fought and died during the Second World War. Whether someone fought for Germany, Japan, the United States, or they even worked on the home front for their country. We want them all!
Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day or VE Day) was May 7 and May 8, 1945, the dates when the World War II Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany and the end of Adolf Hitler's Third Reich. On April 30, Hitler committed suicide during the Battle for Berlin, and so the surrender of Germany was authorized by his replacement, President of Germany Karl Dönitz. The administration headed up by Dönitz was known as the Flensburg government. The act of military surrender was signed on May 7 in Reims, France, and May 8 in Berlin, Germany.
It is with deep sadness that we report the remains of Army Sgt. Keith “Matt” Maupin have been recovered and identified. Iraqi Freedom Hero Maupin was captured April 9th 2004. One week later he appeared in a video released by his captors. Several months later, his captors released a grainy video depicting Sgt. Maupin’s execution in captivity. Due to the poor quality of the tape, analysts could not confirm the identity of the individual in the video. The following was reported by Nishi Gupta of HOI 19 News – “We have confirmed tonight that the remains of Army reservist Matt Maupin have been found.” “A spokeswoman for Maupin's family says military representatives visited Matt's father, Keith, at the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Cincinnati.” “Keith Maupin was told DNA tests from remains and a shirt confirmed they were of Matt's, said the spokeswoman.” “The family plans to issue a prepared statement and is asking for privacy in this matter.” To the Maupin family we offer our heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time. . . REMEMBER ME
