On Aug. 9, the Veterans Museum will host the annual “Spirit of `45 Day” in Balboa Park. The celebration will take place at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a formal program at noon. One thousand people are expected to attend, including 200 World War II veterans.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, this year’s theme is, “Stories in the Shade”. Guests including Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will have the chance to ask World War II veterans, “Where were you on Aug. 14, 1945?” and listen and record their stories.
“One of the goals of Spirit of `45 is to preserve the legacy of the Greatest Generation,” said Daniel DeMarco, event chairman. “One of those ways is through engaging today’s generation to carry on the history.”
The public will be able to meet and interact with Pearl Harbor survivors, Rosie the Riveters, nurses and hometown heroes. Two hundred World War II veterans were contacted by Honor Flight San Diego and are expected to attend.
The master of ceremony will be Bob Lawrence former channel 10 military reporter. Highlights of the program include introductions of local World War II veterans, keynote speaker retired Navy Rear Adm. Len Hering, a 103-year old veteran who will lead the pledge of allegiance, proclamations from city officials and the playing of taps will conclude the 45-minute ceremony.
In 2010, Congress unanimously approved “Spirit of `45 Day”, a new National Day of Remembrance to recall the victory celebrations at the end of World War II. Celebrations will occur in hundreds of cities on the second Sunday of August annually.
The San Diego event is family-friendly and is free to the public. Free parking is located adjacent to the museum. To volunteer, donate or for more information contact Dan DeMarco at (619)569-6230.
About The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park:
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. It was established in 1989 to honor and perpetuate the memories of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and Wartime Merchant Marine. The museum preserves the legacy created by courageous men and women through exhibits and displays of historical documents, photographs, artwork, artifacts, oral histories, and educational programs. Located in the historic chapel of the old Balboa Naval Hospital, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. There is plenty of free parking for visitors.
More information about The Veterans Museum can be found at www.veteranmuseum.org, or follow on Facebook or Twitter @VeteransMuseum.
