Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission

WELCOME

From 2016 through 2020, the Virginia World War I and World War II Commemoration Commission had the utmost honor of planning, developing, and carrying out programs and activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of WWI and the 75th anniversary of WWII. 

From traveling museums, to wartime document digitization; and from Virginia teacher symposiums to massive signature events with statewide partners; the Commission helped to shine a spotlight on the most important part of these wars- the men and women who served.
Below, you can find links to some of our most popular programs and partnerships throughout the Commission's official duration. 

One of our most powerful programs, hosted in-partnership with the Library of Virginia, this program focused on digitizing original manuscript and materials regarding Virginia's soldiers and life in Virginia during WWI and WWII. By scanning these items and providing online access, the Profiles of Honor Scanning Program allowed families to retain their original items, and still preserve the intellectual and historical content of these valuable documents for thousands to enjoy for generations to come!

From 2016 through 2020 the Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission partnered with dozens of museums and memorials from around the state to host signature events commemorating milestone events in both World Wars. Starting in December of 2016 with the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, events such as the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway and the Normandy Invasion, the 100th Anniversary of America's entry into WWI and the subsequent Armistice, and the 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII created a lasting legacy.

PROFILES OF HONOR MOBILE MUSEUM

The Virginia WWI and WWII Profiles of Honor Mobile Tour was an interactive museum exhibit, housed in a 36-foot trailer, that traveled across the Commonwealth and beyond to museums, schools, libraries, and local events. Prioritizing the need for WWI and WWII education, this Mobile Tour traveled to over 117 locations, was visited by 40,000 visitors, from 42 states, and 18 countries and saw over 13,700 students.

Our country began here in 1607, and it's no surprise that the Old Dominion has more than its share of historic and historical sites, exhibits, monuments, and legendary personas. From moving veterans memorials, to state-of-the-art military history museums, you'll find interesting locations all across the state. So dive into history, and view some of the best Virginia has to offer!

As part of Virginia's commemoration of the 100th and 75th anniversaries of WWI and WWII, and as a means to explore and share the resources Virginia offers for learning about these wars, the Virginia WWI and WWII Commemoration Commission joined with statewide educational partners in 14 teacher symposiums across the state. 

From classroom lectures and supplements, to educational articles and links, to our own 3D Virtual Educational museum, you can explore all of our vast resources online for free here!