Today, nearly 60 years after German Panzers punched through the Ardennes Forest and sparked the Battle of the Bulge-the largest land engagement in US military history-we are reminded that World War II's ending was just as ferocious as its beginning. Iwo Jima. Okinawa. Hiroshima. Even in the war's waning hours, all Americans understood that nothing-least of all victory-was certain.

Throughout 2005, Battleship Cove will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Allies' triumph with V for Victory, an effort to promote Duty, Honor and Country to a diverse national, regional and local youth audience and raise national public awareness about the educational relevance of our historic naval ships, our veterans' memorials, and the legacy of World War II veterans. Central to fulfilling Battleship Cove's mission as the Commonwealth's official memorial for the Second World War, this program will complement a multitude of ship preservation, education, and community-outreach initiatives that we ask you to support with a tax-deductible donation to the V for Victory Annual Fund.

Please consider making a donation of $60 or more in recognition of this historic 60th anniversary. Donations of $100 or more entitle you to a memento offered for the first time as a benefit to our special donors-a set of replica World War II dog tags customized with your name, or that of a veteran or child close to you.

Additionally, we invite you to consider purchasing a special gift-Membership to Battleship Cove. The gift of Membership is a symbolic and touching way to thank and honor a veteran in your family, or inspire a young student to become more interested in our ships, their crews, and American history.

Your contribution symbolizes an important endorsement of our mission; please support our mission by making a tax deductible donation here or contact our development director.

Thank you again for your generosity and trust.