Christmas 1944

On Christmas Day 1944, General MacArthur issued the following message to the men and women under his command: “May God preserve and protect you all—is my Christmas prayer.”

By December 1944, the momentum of the war in the Pacific Theatre was in favor of the Allies. Despite this momentum however, there was still major fighting to come. The new year would see continued fighting in the Philippines, battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as the planning of the anticipated invasion of Japan.

For those serving in the European Theatre, the war continued as well. During the holiday season, American soldiers engaged in a fierce struggle at Bastogne received this Christmas message after a German commander demanded an American surrender:

HRNM to Host Navy Heritage Lecture: "Norfolk, VA and Pearl Harbor Remembered"

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is proud to offer lecture and programs centered around the history and heritage of the United States Navy in Hampton Roads, VA, America's "First Region."

December's Navy Heritage presentation will center around the 1941 Japanese raid on the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and its importance to American history. HRNM Educator Stephen Hebert will discuss the socio-economic impact that the "day that will live in infamy" had on the homeport of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.

The 45-minute presentation will begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 7 December in the Jamestown Exposition room inside the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Admission for the museum is free.