About the World War II Veterans Committee
The World War II Veterans Committee got its start with the highly successful World War II Chronicles radio series. This series, hosted by the late Ed Herlihy – known as the “Voice of World War II” – became a big hit nationwide with over 500 stations carrying the weekly series in the 1990’s. Following the success of the series, the World War II veterans committee was launched and became our nation’s premier organization dedicated to the delivery of veterans stories through all forms of media.
The World War II Veterans Committee and its parent organization, the American Veterans Center, supports a wide range of programs including film, television, radio and publications in an effort to preserve the legacy of the World War II generation for current and future generations.
The World War II Veterans Committee and American Veterans Center are projects of the American Studies Center, a 501(c)(3)non-profit educational foundation. Donations made to either organization are tax-deductible.
Help Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of World War II
The mission of the World War II Veterans Committee is even more crucial as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II.
Precious few veterans of the Second World War survive to share their lessons and stories. And yet, as we move beyond the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, several hundred thousand survive, a great many standing ready to lend their lessons to future generations.
The World War II Veterans Committee – a division of the American Veterans Center – stands with them, actively connecting them with students and young people, preserving their stories in film and television, and commemorating them in public events. Here’s how you can help.
The National Memorial Day Parade
On Memorial Day weekend of 2004, the American Battle Monuments Commission approached the World War II Veterans Committee requesting that we lead the effort for a parade honoring the thousands of WWII veterans in Washington for the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall. That parade honoring our WWII generation would become an annual tradition – the National Memorial Day Parade – and is now the largest Memorial Day event in the nation.
World War II Chronicles
World War II Chronicles is a radio documentary series produced by Radio America and the American Veterans Center. From overviews of battles to intimate stories of veterans, World War II Chronicles covers the entirety of the US in the conflict, week by week, so don’t forget to subscribe!
Featured Oral History: Frank DeVita
Frank DeVita was in charge of lowering the ramp, the only thing shielding troops from the USS Samuel Chase from rapid enemy gunfire, during the first wave at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. His chilling experience would haunt him for the rest of his life. Watch as he tells his remarkable story of service and sacrifice.
World War II Curriculum
The World War II Veterans Committee’s comprehensive World War II Curriculum seeks to give high school teachers a valuable tool in teaching the true history of the Second World War. The curriculum is designed to preserve and document the legacy of the world’s greatest conflict in a way that is simple for teachers and engaging for students.
World War II Veterans Committee: Register of Friends & Supporters
The World War II Veterans Committee’s Register of Supporters verification project is now underway. For nearly 30 years, the WWIIVC has worked to bring the legacy of the Greatest Generation to the Latest Generation.
Help Their Legacy Live On
The mission of the American Veterans Center and the World War II Veterans Committee is to guard the legacies and honor the sacrifices of American veterans. Through oral history preservation, documentary films, educational programs and civic events, the AVC works to ensure Americans do not forget these sacrifices.
