For the Vital Life Foundation, the commemoration of Spirit of ’45 Day has become a highlight of the year that has steadily grown to an eagerly anticipated community-wide celebration. The annual festivities coincide with the anniversary of August 14, 1945, when spontaneous celebrations broke out around the world at the news that the most destructive war in human history was over.
Over the past five years, the Foundation has worked to expand the reach of its Spirit of ‘45 event to touch the lives of as many World War II veterans, military service members, and seniors who supported the war effort as possible. At the first event, Vital Life worked with Dream Flights to fly six senior veterans in an open cockpit World War II-era biplane. Over the years that followed, a war bird, helicopter and DC-3 transport plane was added so that more seniors could experience the joy of being honored with a once-in-a-lifetime flight experience.
Though the pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020, Vital Life Foundation is proud to announce its return on August 11-12, 2021. This year we will take the event back to its starting roots, with rides being offered exclusively through our partnership with Dream Flights. If you know a World War II veteran who should be honored with a ride in the Dream Flights biplane, nominate him or her today by filling out the application form linked here and noting Spirit of ’45 in the comment box. To learn more about past Vital Life Spirit of ’45 events, click here.
