Spirit of ‘45 to honor WWII veterans
It’s been 70 years since World War II veterans made the ultimate sacrifice for our country during one of the most pivotal times in American history.
Local officials plan to celebrate these fine men and women that still are alive in the area and honor those who have passed during Lee County Spirit of ’45 Day in Fort Myers at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort this Sunday, Aug. 9.
On Aug. 14, 1945, World War II ended and America began laying the foundations to ensure a better future for their children and their children’s children. “Keep the Spirit of ’45 Day” is to remind us of the Greatest Generation’s courage, shared sacrifice and commitment to service so that their example of national unity and community can inspire future generations of Americans especially our nation’s youth.
They are regarded as unsung heroes.
“War World II veterans never cease to amaze me,” said Eryka Aptaker, who has been the Lee County chairperson for five years. “It gets a little emotional when I lose one. I would not give up a minute of doing this because of the friendships I’ve made and the people that I’ve met. They are incredible to me, and the most humble people I have ever met in my life.
“I love and respect all veterans, but I don’t think in my lifetime there will ever be another generation like the World War II generation.”
Sunday’s celebration will take place from 4:15 to 7:15 p.m. Dinner will be served from 4:15 to 5:45, while the WWII Tribute/Ceremony will be from 5:45 to 7:15.
To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, Aptaker sought the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort to provide adequate room. As of Monday, July 27, she had 301 people on her roster, including 75 that are WWII vets.
“This is a very big deal. I have gotten a larger venue this year and a lot more add-ins on the agenda,” said Aptaker. “I want to make the 70th anniversary as special as I can.”
The evening agenda for the ceremony features an opening speech/introduction; marching of color guard/Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem by San Carlos Fire & Rescue; opening prayer; speech on Spirit of ’45; guest speakers (several WWII veterans; various dignitaries); Fallen Soldier ceremony; Guns N’ Hoses Pipes N’ Drums performance; POW/MIA service; Hanging of Wreath/wreath service; story of Poppies/Poppy Service (Amazing Grace played by bagpiper); Honor Guard performs 3 volleys; Taps is played across the nation (“Echo Taps”); and a closing speech.
“I’ve added in some extra entertainment,” said Aptaker. “I have a group called ‘Dancing Feat’ doing a dance number, a group from the Cultural Parks Theater doing a revelry show to go with the Guns N’ Hoses Pipes N’ Drums performance.”
There will also be a ‘Silent Salute’ performance where one person recites a reading and another acts out scenes. The graphic approach could be emotional for some.
“I wanted to fun it up and keep it lively,” Aptaker said. “I plan on putting entertainment in between speakers.”
Beach resident Edward “Huggy” Ellyat is among four guest speakers to grace the microphone. The other are George Yurcak, Ray Carlson and Harry Shapiro.
The event is free for WWII veterans and their spouses. For all others, cost will be $25 per person.
Reservations had to be made by Sunday, Aug. 2.
For more information, contact Eryka at 800-527-5395 (ext. 852).
Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort is located at 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr, in Fort Myers (last exit before Sanibel off Summerlin Road).
Each year, World War II veterans pass away due to age and other complications. Participants range from age 88 (youngest) to 98 (oldest).
“These are people who have done so much for this country,” said Aptaker. “They feel like they are being forgotten, and I feel like they are being forgotten. It’s my mission to let them know that they are appreciated and they are not forgotten.”
According to the website, www.spiritof45.org, “‘Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive’ is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative to preserve the legacy of the men and women of the Greatest Generation so that their example of courage, self-sacrifice, “can-do” attitude and commitment to community can help inspire a renewal of national unity in America at a time when our country once again must come together to meet historic challenges.”
Its goal and initiative is “to establish an annual day of remembrance and national renewal to remind America of the values and accomplishments of the generation who endured the hard times of the Great Depression, fought to defeat the greatest tyranny in history, and then went on to rebuild their shattered world in an unprecedented effort to help assure a better future for both friend and former foe alike.”
In 2010, the U.S. Congress voted unanimously for an annual day to preserve and honor the legacy of the men and women of the WWII generation. This year, America’s governors are issuing proclamations expressing their support for a nationwide WWII 70th Anniversary Commemoration.