The other day we took a day trip. We drove about an hour and a half west to the town of Fredericksburg, Texas. We had heard there were a lot of wineries in the area (there were!) and that it was a quaint little town (it was!).
We had also been told to NOT to miss the National Museum of the Pacific War (WW II museum mainly about the battles fought in the Pacific). I had forgotten about this museum until we were close to the town and I saw a sign. I told Jack we had to go to the museum first.
What I didn’t realize was the size of this museum! It had both inside and outside displays! It basically took us ALL day. There was A LOT to read about! I learned so much information about the war in the Pacific that I didn’t know. I took A LOT of photos, so hopefully I won’t bore you with too many.
The goes with the picture of the flag below.
There was an area called The Combat Zone which had both inside and outside displays. I really enjoyed seeing the restored boat PT 309. Did you know President John F. Kennedy served in WW II on PT 109? There’s an old movie about his heroism during that time.
There is another big, outside area. It is called the Plaza of the Presidents. It is a huge display commemorating and honoring ten Presidents who fought in WW II plus MANY other people who also fought. I must say, it was quite humbling to see so many memorial plaques and read about some of their stories. This truly was the “greatest generation” during this time in our history.
There was a separate building on Main Street that was part of the museum tour. It is the old Nimitz Hotel purchased by Charles Henry Nimitz, Sr., in 1855. By 1860 the Nimitz Hotel was hosting stagecoach travelers and soon became a center for community activities. Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who was in charge of the Pacific Fleet in WW II, spent time in his grandfather’s hotel. Located in the hotel is a very interesting museum about Admiral Nimitz.
We thoroughly enjoyed The National Museum of the Pacific War. If you are in the Austin or San Antonio areas, you will want to take a drive to Fredericksburg, Texas. It is about the same distance from each city.
So, for now ….. “On the Road Again!”
Betty
Retirement......LOVE IT! 