Nearly 30 years after The Armistice was officially declared, formally ending World War I, a veteran named Raymond Weeks suggested turning the relatively new national holiday dedicated to world peace into Veterans Day to honor all US service members. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, himself a World War II veteran and five-star general, officially signed the observance of Veterans Day on November 11 into law in 1954.
Veterans Day joined Memorial Day, established in 1868, and Armed Forces Day, first observed in 1950, as opportunities for Americans to honor the men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard. However, you don’t have to wait for a national holiday to learn more about the contributions of veterans to US history. Indeed, there are numerous museums, memorials, national parks, and national cemeteries around the country dedicated to telling the story of the country’s military.
These are 11 cities from Philadelphia to Honolulu where you can engage with the history of military service members and thank veterans for their sacrifices.
Honolulu, Hawaii
The US Navy has had a significant presence in Hawaii for 200 years, particularly on the island of Oʻahu where the Pearl Harbor naval base was developed in 1899. The infamous Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, drew the United States into World War II, costing 2403 US personnel their lives and injuring another 1000.
Today you can learn more about the history of the US Navy in Hawaii and honor the casualties and veterans of Pearl Harbor at several sites throughout Honolulu, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Park, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. There are numerous tours available that combine several of these sites, often led by local experts with line-hopping privileges to enhance your history experience.
Window Rock, Arizona
Native Americans enlist in the military at five times the national average, boasting the highest per-capita participation of any other population group in the country. Their history of service dates back to the founding of the United States. Visit the Navajo Veterans Memorial Park to learn about the contributions of Indigenous veterans, particularly the Dine code talkers who played vital roles in Marine Corps efforts to create secret, unbreakable transmissions during both World Wars.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City is home to the National World War I Museum, established in 1921. The city’s rail station served as a critical crossroads for thousands of soldiers preparing for duty in World War I.
Remarkably, the Liberty Memorial Tower sits across from Union Station. The museum’s collection focuses not only on US troops but also encompasses artifacts from every nation that participated in the conflict, making it one of the largest collections of WWI memorabilia worldwide.
Houston, Texas
In 1866, Congress passed the Army Organization Act, allowing the formation of four regiments of Black cavalry who initially served out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and spread across the western frontier. The men in these units earned the nickname “Buffalo Soldiers” after encounters with Native Americans across the plains. This name remains associated with the legacy of the 10th Cavalry throughout numerous conflicts, including the Spanish-American War and the Korean War.
Famous Buffalo Soldiers include boxing legend Joe Louis and pioneering baseball player Jackie Robinson. You can learn more about the proud and complex history of these brave troops at the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum in Houston, Texas.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg remains a significant landmark for Americans, even 157 years after one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War took place here. The Gettysburg National Military Park museum showcases why this campaign was pivotal, resulting in the loss of 8000 soldiers’ lives. Moreover, you can take guided or self-led tours of the battlefield, exploring sites like Dobbin House, an important stop on the Underground Railroad and the oldest surviving home in the area.
Visiting Gettysburg can easily be done as a day trip or weekend getaway, with nearby options for accommodation that provide a unique historical experience.
Chicago, Illinois
Best known as the home of the Chicago Bears, it’s sometimes easy to overlook that Soldier Field is a memorial to those service members who sacrificed their lives in World War I. Chicago offers a plethora of opportunities to learn about military contributions through various museums and memorials.
For instance, the Pritzker Military Museum and Library was founded as a non-partisan institution dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of military history. Additionally, the National Veterans Art Museum houses over 2500 artworks created by veterans, exploring various themes from PTSD to reentry and revolution.
New Orleans, Louisiana
It might come as a surprise that the National World War II Museum is located in New Orleans rather than, say, Washington, D.C. This is because it was Louisianan workers who designed and constructed the amphibious Higgins Boat landing craft, essential for US soldiers’ success during pivotal campaigns like the storming of Normandy on D-Day.
The museum holds a vast collection of artifacts, ranging from preserved documents and footage to restored watercraft, aircraft, and submarines, showcasing the significance of World War II in American history.
Fort Lee, Virginia
Although women weren’t officially allowed to join the military until the Army Nurse Corps was established in 1901, countless women have served their country since the American Revolution. For instance, Cathay Williams disguised herself as a man to fight in active combat. You can learn more about the role of women in the military at the US Army Women’s Museum in Fort Lee, Virginia.
This unique institution began in 1955 in Fort McClellan, Alabama, and has transitioned through various locations before establishing itself in Fort Lee in 1999. The museum now features over 1.5 million documents and artifacts that highlight the indispensable yet often overlooked contributions of women in military history.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Travel back to the early days of US military history at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. This prominent attraction offers a nuanced look at the Revolution, showcasing the stories of women, African Americans, and Native Americans along with traditional narratives.
Visitors gain a comprehensive overview of the Revolution and deeper insights into individual figures, exemplified by the new exhibit Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier.
Washington DC
Lastly, the nation’s capital is replete with sites honoring the lives and contributions of veterans. From the National World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, each site serves as a poignant tribute to those who have fought for their country.
Certain memorials, such as the American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, acknowledge different sacrifices while Arlington National Cemetery stands as the country’s oldest and most well-known resting place for veterans. You can also find numerous museums offering informative insights into US military history, including the African American Civil War Museum, which highlights the unique pathway of military service as a means for freedom.
The National Guard Memorial Museum encompasses nearly 400 years of history within this vital wing of the Department of Defense, offering virtual tours as an additional option for exploration. Sailors are also acknowledged at the National Museum of the US Navy, further enhancing the military historical experience alongside the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of American History, both of which offer significant contributions to military history narratives.
This article was first published Nov 11, 2020, and updated May 13, 2022.
