GUNS N’ HOSES PIPES N’ DRUMS PERFORMING.
In 2010, the U.S. Congress unanimously agreed that a national “Spirit of ’45 Day” be observed on the second Sunday of August, coinciding with the anniversary of August 14, 1945, the day President Truman announced the end of World War II.
(STANDING L-R): BOB BREISCH, DAN BARDEN, ROGER MOYER, RICH JENKINS, AND BUD JASON. SEATED (L-R): JANE BREISCH, VICKI BARDEN,
BARB JENKINS, AND ELAINE JASON.
Eryka Aptaker began the Lee County version of the Spirit of ’45 in 2010. She again hosted a gathering of WWII Veterans, their families, and supporters, at Pelican Preserve on Sunday, August 10. These events are very special due to the age of these WWII Veterans. Unfortunately, the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and others who threw themselves at the Axis forces and paid a huge price in lives and injuries, are quickly a vanishing breed, and are very close to being just memories.
Interestingly, attending this event were 17 WWII Veterans who were 96 or older. One gentleman was 107! Different family members spoke about the service their parent or spouse experienced in WWII. All comments were sobering, but often humorous. Guns n’ Hoses Pipes n’ Drums entertained the audience with patriotic music. The HPVA generously donated $1,500 toward the ceremony, and also sponsored a table.
Please take time to thank our current Veterans, and all active-duty military personnel who continue to serve our country.
