WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington has been recognized by the National Park Service as an “American World War II Heritage City” for 2023. The title honors communities across the nation that made substantial contributions to the home front war effort during World War II.
Mayor Mike Purzycki and the City’s Land Use and Planning (LU&P) Director, Jeff Starkey, announced the prestigious designation recently, underscoring how the sacrifices and bravery of Wilmington’s citizens during the war continue to shape the city today.
A Distinctive Honor
The American World War II Heritage City Program (AWWIIHC) acknowledges the vital roles played by towns, cities, and counties during World War II. Each state or territory can only have one designated city, making this honor particularly notable.
Wilmington is among 11 cities or jurisdictions added to the list in 2023. Other new additions include Foley, Alabama; Tempe, Arizona; Richmond, California; Waterloo, Iowa; Baltimore County, Maryland; Johnson County & Warrensburg, Missouri; Hastings, Nebraska; Boulder City & Henderson, Nevada; Yonkers, New York; and Bedford County, Virginia.
Remembering Wilmington’s WWII Contributions
“Wilmington certainly played a critical role throughout the course of the Second World War,” said Mayor Purzycki. He highlighted the city’s manifold contributions, from citizens enlisting in the military and conserving resources at home to raising funds through massive Bond Drives and working in local shipyards and factories.
Wilmington’s rich WWII heritage is evident throughout the city, with landmarks like Dravo Plaza along the Christina River, the Walnut Street YMCA, the former E.I. de DuPont Nemours Company headquarters, and Timothy Duffield’s World War II Memorial in H.B. du Pont Plaza. The Holocaust Memorial in Freedom Plaza, which Mayor Purzycki views from his office window, serves as a poignant reminder of the human tragedy of that time.
Acknowledging Efforts
Mayor Purzycki and LU&P Director Starkey also expressed their gratitude to Wilmington’s Historic Preservation Planner, Debra Martin. Her dedication and hard work were instrumental in preparing Wilmington’s application for this program back in August of 2023.
The AWWIIHC was established by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019. Wilmington, North Carolina, earned the distinction of being named the first World War II Heritage City in the country on September 2, 2020.
Now, as an American World War II Heritage City, Wilmington, Delaware stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its residents during one of history’s most challenging periods. The recognition serves as a reminder of the city’s rich history and the significant role it played in shaping the nation’s future.
The Park Service’s announcement of the 2023 American World War II Heritage City designees can be found here.
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