Mayor Kenny Alexander, City Of Norfolk | City Of Norfolk website
Mayor Kenny Alexander, City Of Norfolk | City Of Norfolk website
General Douglas MacArthur's iconic cap, housed at the MacArthur Memorial museum in Norfolk, Virginia, is a finalist for a conservation prize awarded by the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM). The public has the opportunity to support the preservation of this historical artifact by voting on VAM’s website. The artifact that garners the most votes will receive $1,000 for conservation efforts. Voting is free and available from February 11 to 28, with individuals allowed to vote once daily online.
The cap worn by General MacArthur is a significant symbol associated with American history. It represents America keeping promises, civilian control over the military, liberation and peace, and victory over fascism and militarism. MacArthur wore this cap from 1936 to 1961 during several pivotal moments in history. Notably, in 1942, saltwater exposure caused it to shrink when he escaped Corregidor aboard PT-41. Upon arriving in Australia during World War II's dark times, he famously declared "I Shall Return" while wearing this cap. He was also seen wearing it when he returned to the Philippines in 1944 and during key events such as Japan's surrender and throughout the Korean War.
For over 14 years, VAM’s Top 10 Endangered Artifacts program has supported more than 200 institutions by emphasizing the significance of Virginia museums and the need for conserving artifacts and their stories.
The MacArthur Memorial was established in 1964 as a museum and library dedicated to General Douglas MacArthur's life and legacy. It operates under the City of Norfolk in collaboration with the nonprofit General Douglas MacArthur Foundation. Annually serving approximately 120,000 visitors free of charge, further information about the memorial can be found at www.macarthurmemorial.org.
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