[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 88 (Tuesday, May 21, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3808-S3809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             RECOGNIZING THE WRIGHT MUSEUM OF WORLD WAR II

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Wright Museum of World War II in Wolfeboro, NH. This local landmark, 
educational institution, and national repository for WWII items and 
memorabilia will be holding events throughout the summer in celebration 
of its 30th anniversary. I join in saluting the hard-working Wright 
Museum staff, its enthusiastic volunteers, and its generous supporters 
who give so much of their time and effort to fulfilling the vision of 
founder David Wright: to be the preeminent history museum that 
preserves and promotes a comprehensive understanding and appreciation 
of the enduring contributions made by World War II-era Americans.
  The Wright Museum of World War II is unmistakable to people who 
venture down Center Street near Wolfeboro's historic downtown. They 
turn the corner to find a genuine M3A1 Stuart tank positioned almost as 
if it just broke through the building's brick frontage. The tank is 
just one current piece of an extensive military vehicle collection that 
once belonged to museum founder David Wright, a U.S. marine during the 
Korean war and a proud son of a World War II veteran. David would offer 
pieces of his collection for parades and special events throughout the 
Northeast, but he knew his vehicles represented a small part of a vast 
war effort that mobilized millions of Americans in a variety of ways. 
He had an idea for a permanent building that would tell the full story 
of the people who made these enormous contributions. He envisioned a 
museum that contextualized this time period so Americans today could 
thoroughly grasp the forces on the battlefield and the home front that 
propelled our country to victory.
  In 1992, David found an ideal site at the former location of a 
Diamond National sawmill in Wolfeboro. He uncovered a perfect natural 
setting adjacent to the Smith River and nearby Lake Winnipesaukee, and 
he identified a community filled with people who would eagerly donate 
their time and resources in support of the museum's mission. The Wright 
Museum of World War II opened its doors in 1994. Since then, museum 
staff and volunteers have guided nearly 300,000 visitors, including my 
family and me, on an interactive and thought-provoking journey that 
captures American life in the early 1940s and depicts the enduring 
impact of the Greatest Generation.
  The Wright Museum hosts guest lectures and rotating exhibits in a 
flexible space, including its current offerings of ``D-day: A View from 
Above'' and ``Women in Uniform,'' alongside its popular permanent 
exhibits. One permanent display is a military gallery that showcases 
World War II-era uniforms and weaponry in addition to David Wright's 
collection of tanks, half-tracks, jeeps, and motorcycles. These 
vehicles are still drivable and operational thanks to the Wright 
Mechanics, a group of volunteers who educate themselves on the inner 
workings of 80-year-old equipment. The military gallery is complemented 
by a homefront gallery that sheds light on everyday life in 1940s 
America while the war was waged overseas. It includes dozens of 
artifacts as well as full-scale replicas of a typical kitchen and soda 
fountain. Another illuminating exhibit is the time tunnel. Visitors are 
able to walk through rooms dedicated to each year from 1939 to 1945 and 
learn through audio and visual means about the culture and prevailing 
mood of the country. There is even a Victory Garden outside of the 
museum that grows produce for a local food pantry.
  These exhibits come together at the Wright Museum of World War II to 
craft a compelling and enlightening narrative of the homefront 
contributions to the American war effort. The museum is always finding 
creative ways to engage patrons of all ages, and everyone learns 
something new about the World War II experience after talking with a 
passionate volunteer, listening to an expert speaker, or interacting 
with a thoughtfully placed display. These efforts ensure that current 
and future generations will appreciate all of the people who played a 
role in this formative chapter of our American story. United as one and 
fighting for a common purpose, these incredible citizens achieved 
victory, protected our way of life, and reintroduced freedom and 
democracy to distant parts of the world. Their legacy of commitment, 
duty, and sacrifice should inspire all of us as we confront modern-day 
challenges and threats to global peace and security.
  On a personal note, the last outing I took with my 94-year-old 
mother, a member of the Greatest Generation, before her passing was to 
the Wright Museum. I have wonderful memories of that visit and the 
thoughtfulness of everyone at the museum. Thank you for your 
stewardship of World War II memorabilia.
  On behalf of the people of New Hampshire, I ask my colleagues and all 
Americans to join me in celebrating

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the 30th anniversary of the Wright Museum of World War II.

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