Press Releases

  Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC) re-introduced a bill to designate and recognize the city of Wilmington as the first nationally recognized “American World War II City.”  H.R. 1721 establishes a process to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate at least one city in the United States each year with this illustrious title.  These cities will be designated due to their significant contributions to the war effort and their work preserving the history of WWII.

This is a major step in encouraging the preservation of our national heritage so that structures, artifacts, museums and veterans are properly and safely persevered.  If passed by Congress and signed into law, the city of Wilmington would be the first “American World War II City.”

Due to the hard work and dedication of Captain Wilbur D. Jones, Jr., USNR (Ret.) – a Wilmington native, distinguished author and active veteran in the community – this idea and introduction of this bill came to fruition due to Jones’ years of dedication to this cause. 

“I would like to thank Captain Wilbur Jones for all his hard work to award Wilmington with the recognition it deserves,” said Rep. David Rouzer.  “The city of Wilmington was regarded as the defense capital of the state during World War II with major industries supporting the war’s efforts – including shipbuilding, fertilizer plants, agriculture, manufacturing and clothing factories.  Due to its major contributions, this bill will ensure that Wilmington, as well as other cities with significant WWII history, will be given the distinction the residents and communities deserve.”  

Last year, H.R. 1721 passed the House of Representatives via H.R. 677, the American Heroes COLA Act of 2015, which provides for annual cost-of-living adjustments to be made automatically by law each year. The legislation was not passed in the U.S. Senate however.  Those bills that did not become law during the 114th Congress must be reintroduced in the 115th Congress to be considered again.  

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