Every day, memories of World War II are disappearing from living history.

As living witnesses to World War II dwindle, the urgency to preserve their stories intensifies. Of the 16.1 million Americans in the conflict, less than 1% remain, emphasizing the critical role of institutions like The National WWII Museum. With 119,550 veterans alive as of 2023, time is of the essence to convey the American WWII experience. The museum’s mission gains heightened significance as it strives to encapsulate the narratives of those who shaped history in an era rapidly fading from contemporary memory.