President Donald Trump officially declared Wilmington as America’s first World War II Heritage City following a Wednesday afternoon ceremony at the Battleship North Carolina to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the war.
“This afternoon, my administration is formally recognizing the city’s exceptional contributions to victory in the second world war,” President Trump said. “It is my tremendous honor to officially designate Wilmington, North Carolina as our nation’s first World War II Heritage City…that’s a big deal. Congratulations to you all.”
Workers built 243 ships over a five-year period in Wilmington during World War II. The city was home of the North Carolina Shipbuilding Company. Three prisoner-of-war camps were also in Wilmington, holding as many as 550 Nazi prisoners at their peak.
Nearly 250 men from the Wilmington area died defending the U.S., and two New Hanover High School graduates received the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Retired Navy Captain Wilbur Jones, who helped lead the 12-year effort for Wilmington to earn the designation, was congratulated by President Trump for his efforts.
“Let me also thank retired Navy captain Wilbur Jones who has championed the cause of World War II Heritage cities. Thank you, Wilbur. Great job,” said Trump who followed that up with a salute to Jones.
“This is a great day for Wilmington,” said Congressman David Rouzer afterwards. “It’s a great day for Wilbur Jones and everyone who’s work so hard towards this. I know senator Tillis and I I’ve been working hard for a good long time. It’s great to see it all come to fruition. It means a lot for Wilmington and for all the work that’s been done to preserve the heritage and all the great contributions the Wilmington area made towards a World War II effort.”
Trump also recognized some of the World War II veterans who gathered at the battleship for the ceremony.
Paul Phillips who is a veteran of World War II and the wars of Korea and Vietnam, served aboard the Battleship North Carolina in the Pacific Theater during the second world war.
“At 93 years old, he has returned today to visit the ship upon which he so nobly served. He is a tremendous man. Paul, it is our honor to have you with us,” Trump said.
Woody Williams, 97, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima — a critical victory for the United States against Japan.
“He braved a torrent of hostile fire while destroying one enemy machine gun position after another,” Trump said. “Woody, congratulations. You inspire us all.”
“These brave Americans raced into the fires of Hell to vanquish tyranny, dethrone fascism, and defend the American way of life. You have the eternal and undying gratitude of all Americans, and that’s why I’m here today,” Trump added.
President Trump said he’d met with each veteran honored
