National Museum of the Pacific War Presents “Road to Victory: Tarawa” – A Living History Experience
Fredericksburg, TX – The National Museum of the Pacific War invites the public to experience “Road to Victory: Tarawa” on 
Saturday, October 4, 2025, with presentations at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Pacific Combat Zone. This outdoor program immerses visitors in the dramatic events of November 20, 1943, when U.S. Marines of the 2nd Marine Division landed on the narrow beaches of Tarawa. In only three days of fighting, more than 3,000 U.S. casualties were sustained on an island barely half a square mile in size.
The program examines the key questions of the campaign: “Why did we land on Tarawa?”, “What happened during the battle?” and “Why does it matter?”
With living history volunteers from Company K, audiences will experience a battle presentation featuring simulated explosives, WWII vehicles, blank-firing weapons, and a live 37mm anti-tank gun.
This presentation is not recommended for small children, pets, or those with heart conditions.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Location: Pacific Combat Zone, National Museum of the Pacific War
Admission: Online purchase highly encouraged – Seating is first-come, first-served
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Adults: $10
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Students (6–17): $5
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College Students (with ID): $5
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Children (5 and under): Free
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WWII Veterans: Free
Why Attend?
The Road to Victory series is more than a battle reenactment. It is an opportunity to step into history through immersive storytelling and live action demonstrations. Visitors will witness realistic battlefield effects including simulated explosions and live weapon demonstrations, while learning about the Marines’ struggle against overwhelming odds and the lasting impact of the battle. Company K volunteers will showcase authentic WWII uniforms, vehicles, and equipment, creating an educational and memorable experience for history enthusiasts, families, and students who want to better understand the Pacific War’s pivotal moments.
For more information about this event and other museum programs, visit www.pacificwarmuseum.org.
About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation
The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War
The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported
by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.
About Smithsonian Affiliations
Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.