In a week filled with news stories, this one almost got overlooked. The City of Pensacola officially unveiled a new World War II micro exhibit Tuesday at City Hall, celebrating the community’s designation as Florida’s only American World War II Heritage City.
Located in the first-floor lobby of Pensacola City Hall, the exhibit showcases the Pensacola and Escambia County’s significant role during World War II, particularly highlighting Naval Air Station Pensacola and its network of auxiliary air stations that served as a premier Naval Air Training Center.
Mayor D.C. Reeves opened the ceremony by recounting the journey to the heritage designation, which began with an application submitted to the National Park Service on April 27, 2022. The application received support from numerous organizations including Naval Air Station Pensacola, the National Park Service, Pensacola City Council, state representatives, the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, and the University of West Florida Historic Trust.
“We were officially named the World War II Heritage City for the state of Florida” on December 6, 2022, Reeves said, calling it “a wonderful honor” and explaining how the exhibit makes that designation “tangible.”
Retired Capt. Sterling Gilliam, director of the National Naval Aviation Museum, stressed Pensacola’s 199-year connection with the Navy, noting that the city has been “inextricably linked” to naval operations, especially during World War II. He praised the museum team members William Johnson, Jared Barrow, Megan Tester, and Kevin Hoffer for their craftsmanship on the exhibit.
He said, “It is only fitting this city to be given the prestigious Heritage City designation, and we at the museum are thrilled to play a part in memorializing that selection with this exhibit.”
Gilliam talked about Pensacola having its share of patriots who fought in World War II. “Two of the longest serving mayors, Admiral Charles B. Mason and Vince Whibbs. are World War II veterans. Former Mayor Grover Robinson’s grandfather jumped into Normandy with the 101st Airborne. Pensacola native, General Daniel “Chappy” James, got his wings at Tuskegee, going on to fly in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Familiar business names Elebash, Baars and Appleyard have links to that war.”
John Maddox, president of the Veterans Memorial Park Foundation, spoke as both a Navy veteran and grandson of a Pearl Harbor survivor. He said, “This designation is more than a title. It’s a testament to their courage, sacrifice, and service that defines Pensacola’s identity. Our city has long been a beacon of military heritage from the brave service members who train here during the war, to the families who call Pensacola home today, we are a community shaped by duty and honor.”
The heritage city designation places Pensacola among a select group of American communities, only one per state, recognized for their significant contributions to World War II efforts and their commitment to preserving that history.
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