Published: 05-12-08
FREDERICKSBURG – Gov. Rick Perry today participated in the ground breaking of the 40000 square foot expansion of the National Museum of the Pacific War tripling the size of the current building. The museum is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific Theater battles of World War II.
“When the men and women remembered in the National Museum of the Pacific War answered their country’s call to serve they set aside concerns for their own safety and prepared to do whatever it took to conquer the forces of oppression” said Gov. Perry. “Their actions have inspired our nation and the world for more than 60 years. And thanks to this museum that story will endure and inspire for hundreds more.”
In addition to history enthusiasts and tourists who visit the museum a number of WWII veterans often come to Fredericksburg to pay tribute to their comrades in arms. This December Fredericksburg will be the reunion site for the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association’s 67th anniversary celebration.
“It is a culmination of a long series of events that has led to this remarkable expansion” said Rear Admiral Chuck Grojean USN (RET) executive director of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation. “We are looking forward to being able to tell the story of all branches of the military who served so valiantly in the Pacific and China-Burma-India Theater in World War II for future generations.”
“Today’s groundbreaking is a symbol of the successful partnership between the Texas Historical Commission and the Admiral Nimitz Foundation” said John L. Nau III chairman of the Texas Historical Commission. “This state-of-the-art expansion will secure the site’s position as a national museum.”
Located on a six-acre site the center includes the George H.W. Bush Gallery Admiral Nimitz Museum Plaza of Presidents Veterans’ Walk of Honor Japanese Garden of Peace Pacific Combat Zone and the Center for Pacific War Studies. In addition to nearly 34000 square feet of indoor exhibit space the museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and Japanese aircraft tanks guns and other large artifacts made famous during the Pacific War campaigns.
