For those Americans not alive during the Cold War, it's difficult to imagine living under the constant threat of nuclear annihilation. But that was the reality of the Cold War - a time we cannot afford to forget. That is the purpose of the National Cold War Center, to create a place where these historical events will never be forgotten and the human experiences will be preserved for and shared with generations to come. The center will tell the story of the brave men and women who guarded the fragile peace between two powerful nations.