Winter 2025
Stories of service, survival, and Christmas across generations of American military history.
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9 stories
A Word from the Founder
We published the following message about Veteran suicide on Facebook for Veterans Day. We republish it now, in its entirety, along with a response from Jeffrey “Chief” Rogers, a combat Veteran who is Associate Dean of Men at Hillsdale College. Please pass along both of these messages and consider taking action yourself to help…
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Curatorial Department
This past quarter has been a productive one for the NMMV Curatorial Department. Much of our focus has been on preparing for the upcoming exhibit changes in our galleries. This project includes identifying relevant artifacts, conducting research, taking measurements, and developing new displays organized around specific themes.…
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Education Department
Our educational programming at the National Museum of Military Vehicles continues to thrive. This fall, we’ve welcomed students from elementary through high school for immersive field trips that connect classroom learning with hands-on exploration of American military history, innovation, and service. During each visit through…
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From Pearl Harbor to Present: A Hero Honored at NMMV
On the morning of December 7, 1941, the quiet calm of Pearl Harbor was disrupted by the roar of aircraft engines and the blast of bombs. In under 90 minutes, the Japanese delivered catastrophic destruction. Out of the 102 ships present, 15 received minor damage, 11 suffered medium to heavy damage, and seven sank in the harbor…
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A Christmas Miracle: How the SS Meredith Victory Earned the Name The Ship of Miracles
In an unprecedented display of humanitarian effort, the UN, led by the United States, would show the world its resolve to provide freedom in what was known as The Christmas Miracle. The Evacuation Begins By December 9, 1950, beleaguered UN troops began to enter the North Korean east coast port city of Hungnam, where U.S. Navy…
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Food Will Win the War: WWI Rationing and Creative Recipes of Christmas, 1917
As American families gathered to celebrate Christmas in 1917, the shadow of the First World War appeared large. On the home front, holiday traditions took on new meaning, with citizens rallying behind the war effort through acts of sacrifice, most notably, conserving food to support troops overseas.Today, it is hard to think of…
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The Hello Girls: America's First Women Soldiers
When the United States entered World War I, women still possessed citizenship only through their fathers and husbands. To most men, the idea that one day women would have active roles in the U.S. military was inconceivable. However, new opportunities for women were born from the Army’s desperate need for a talent that women…
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Christmas in Uniform: A Collection of Christmas Images from U.S. Military History
Despite being away from their families in unfamiliar countries, America’s service members have found ways to celebrate Christmas, no matter where they are stationed. From makeshift decorations in trenches to Santa Clause arriving on tanks, this collection of images captures moments of joy, celebration, and fellowship as U.S.…
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Join the Conversation
In the Museum’s Patton Gallery, you have the opportunity to “Share Your Thoughts.” With prompt cards, guests often reflect on their visit to the Museum, Veterans’ service and sacrifice, and the price of American freedom. Here’s what guests are saying... Reflection What thoughts or feelings did your visit today inspire? “My…
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