USS Midway Museum Honors WWII’s 80th Anniversary Through Letters
The USS Midway Museum is hosting an evening that brings history to life through the personal words of those who lived it. “Dear Doc” uses real wartime letters written to Dr. Lauren Post, a beloved San Diego State University professor, to honor the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and pay tribute to the Greatest Generation.
The Story Behind the Letters
Dr. Lauren Post kept connections alive between home and the front lines by maintaining correspondence with his students serving overseas. These authentic letters provide an intimate window into the experiences of young people far from home during one of history’s most challenging periods.
The personal nature of these communications offers perspectives that textbooks and documentaries can’t capture.
The Performance Experience
Actors from Write Out Loud will perform these wartime letters on the USS Midway’s Hangar Deck, creating an atmospheric setting that connects the words to their historical context.
The combination of live performance and the authenticity of the museum environment adds emotional weight to stories that might otherwise feel distant or abstract.
The evening includes live music, special WWII exhibits, and the opportunity to explore the ship that serves as both venue and historical artifact. Having these performances aboard an actual WWII-era vessel creates layers of historical resonance that enhance the impact of the letters themselves.
Why This Matters
Eighty years creates significant distance between current generations and the experiences of WWII veterans. Events like this bridge that gap by focusing on human connections rather than just historical facts.
The letters represent real people dealing with fear, hope, homesickness, and duty—emotions that remain universal despite the passage of time.
The free admission removes barriers for community members who want to participate in this commemoration, making it accessible to families and individuals who might not otherwise attend museum events.
See you there!
Some historical commemorations manage to feel both educational and deeply personal. This evening promises to be one of those experiences.
📆 Tuesday, September 16, 6 PM
🎟️ Free with registration required here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
