World War II Societies

Order of the Second World War
Genealogical Society Honoring Our Ancestors Who Served In World War II Home page definition: THE ORDER OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR IS A HEREDITARY SOCIETY BASED ON MEMBERSHIP THAT BRINGS TOGETHER MEN AND WOMEN WHO SHARE WORLD WAR II ANCESTRY OR LINEAGE.

"The objects of the Order of the Second World War are declared to be patriotic, historical, and educational, and shall include those intended or designed to perpetuate the memory of those men and women who rendered honorable service for their country; to promote fellowship among their descendants; to inspire them and the community-at-large with a more profound reverence for the heritage, deeds, and memory of our ancestors; to encourage historical research; to acquire and preserve the military records of their individual services, as well as documents, relics, and landmarks; to mark the scenes of the fallen soldiers by appropriate memorials; to celebrate the anniversaries of the prominent events of their time period; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institution of freedom.

Any man or woman shall be eligible for membership in the Order who, being a citizen of good repute in the community, is the lineal or collateral descendant, in the male or female line, of an ancestor, man or woman, who served in the armed forces or on the homefront, who was at all times unfailing in loyalty to, and rendered active service in the cause for, his/her country.

In addition to military service individuals who supported their country by “war work” such as working in industrial plants manufacturing war equipment, the American or International Red Cross, YMCA, Salvation Army, and other organizations, as well as those who served in the Federal Government in such capacities as the State Department, War Department, Selective Service, Rationing Boards etc, are also eligible. Although 1941-1945 were the dates of official American involvement in the Second World War, this genealogical society is open to anyone with World War II ancestry from any country, Allies or Axis, involved in the war from the year 1939 A.D. through the year 1945 A.D. (1939-1945)."

Sons and Daughters of WWII Veterans
A genealogical society for descendants, relatives and friends of World War II veterans. Join for family, friends and esprit de corps.

Home page definition: "We created the Society of Sons & Daughters of World War II Veterans to preserve the stories of America’s “greatest generation,” who fought and won WWII and to enable their descendants to establish family ancestry from an American veteran of World War II. The Society database will also be a significant resource for educators and students, authors and historians. Society membership is open to relatives by birth, adoption or marriage to anyone who served in the United States military in World War II. A Memorial membership is also available for unrelated friends of a qualifying veteran. Memberships require the veteran’s proof of service between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946. Society of Sons & Daughters of World War II Veterans members will receive a numbered and dated certificate bearing your name and the name of your World War II veteran ancestor."

World War II Research and Preservation Society
About us: "The World War II Research and Preservation Society (WWII RPS) is a US Federal non-profit corporation that has been active in historical research and Living History Reenacting for over a decade. Members come from all walks of life, ranging from active duty & retired Military personnel, Law Enforcement, Doctors, Lawyers, Artists, Students, and business executives...all with a passion for World War II history and a common goal of preserving our nation's part in that war and honoring our WWII Veterans, which we are loosing at a staggering rate of 1,000 a day. With this in mind we are basically on a race against time to find and record these mens stories. In tribute to our WWII Veterans we depict them as accurately as possible, this includes U.S. and Allied soldiers from that era, but also their enemy counterparts.

We are comprised of member "Units" that are based on actual World War II units. Extensive historical research goes into the study of these units, tremendous amount of effort and resources go into building an individual soldier's "impression". The construction of one's impression can be a very fun and rewarding process and can literally take years to perfect.

A Board of Directors with a goal to make this hobby as realistic, informative, and as fun as possible, governs the WWII RPS. We abide by a strict Code of Conduct and strive to set new standards within the Reenacting community.

Finally, the WWII RPS takes great pride in our heritage as Americans and we abide by all laws, including those of decency and human conduct. In order to accurately portray the tactical experience of the combat soldier of World War II,we also must portray combatants from all sides. However, we steadfastly refute any notions of association with any Socialist or Communist organizations and we reserve the right to refuse membership to anyone with such associations or anyone with any extreme political views."

American Rosie the Riveter Association
The American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) honors American working women of World War II. Founded in 1998, membership is open to Rosies: women who worked in an industry directly related to the war effort or who was employed in a capacity usually held by a man, Rosie Volunteers: women who participated in sustained volunteer efforts related to the war, Rosebuds: descendants of these women, as well as other auxiliary membership positions.

The ARRA works to preserve the stories of Rosies, encouraging family members to interview and record the stories of their family and community members. Grants and scholarships are available to assist in projects and educational programs, and members are encouraged to share historical information about Rosies and their role in World War II throughout their community.

They are organized into a national executive board, state directors, and local chapters in 17 states. They publish a quarterly newsletter and hold an annual conference in June.