NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — The National Park Service (NPS) announced Tuesday the designation of eight new communities as American World War II Heritage Cities, including North Kingstown.

According to the NPS, the recognition honors contributions from local cities and their citizens who stepped up to support war efforts during World War II, which ended nearly 80 years ago this month.

These contributions ranged from defense manufacturing — such as ships, aircraft, uniforms, and equipment — to the production of food and consumer items for military and home consumption, volunteerism and civil defense preparedness, the NPS said.

Only one city, town or county can be designated per state or territory. This year’s additions join 30 others recognized by the program, including East Hartford, Connecticut, Springfield, Massachusetts, and Yonkers, New York.

Below is the full list of the new designations NPS announced Tuesday:

• Calhoun and Ouachita Counties, Arkansas
• Plymouth Township, Michigan
• Valley City, North Dakota
• Municipality of Tinian & Aguiguan, Northern Mariana Islands
• Ponca City and Kay County, Oklahoma
• North Kingstown, Rhode Island
• Sumter City and County, South Carolina
• Ogden, Utah

“World War II not only impacted those who went to war, but also those who carried on the life and work of the home front,” NPS Director Chuck Sams said. “It’s important we remember that cities and towns both big and small made major contributions at home to the war effort, all of which helped Allied forces defeat the Axis powers.”

For more information about the program, nomination process or designation criteria, visit the National Park Service’s website .

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