The National Park Service named Foley as one of the country’s American World War II Heritage Cities in December 2023. The program recognizes communities that made contributions to the war effort and that continue to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans and those on the home front during World War II.

Foley played a critical role in this history,  sending its young people to serve and contributing to the war effort as a farming community. The community was also the site of Barin Field, where thousands of U.S. Navy aviation cadets trained to fly and fight in the conflict.

Only one community in each state or territory can be designated an American World War II Heritage City.

To commemorate the designation, Foley opened an exhibit in the Foley Railroad Museum in December 2024. The exhibit features photographs, artifacts and information telling the story of Foley during the conflict.

The World War II Heritage Cities program recognizes the historic importance of the United States’ domestic involvement in World War II and ensures the continued preservation of a defining period in American history.

The American World War II Heritage Cities Program honors the contributions of local towns, cities, counties and commemorates the stories of the men, women and children whose bravery and sacrifices shaped the U.S. home front during World War II, and still impact our country today.