Spirit of ‘45 is back again this year, and you can help make it happen by nominating a senior veteran to be considered for the ride of a lifetime!

Spirit of ’45 is a summer community event honoring senior veterans and celebrating the end of World War II. Each year, Vital Life invites veterans, family members, friends, and community residents to gather at Aurora State Airport near Portland, Oregon, for a commemorative ceremony, inspirational speeches, surprise activities and an All-American picnic lunch. Through a partnership with Dream Flights, veterans are given rides in a vintage Boeing Stearman biplane. This year’s event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s Vital Life’s goal each year to offer plane rides to as many senior veterans as possible. If you know of a senior veteran who would be honored by the chance to ride in a World War II-era biplane, click the link below to nominate them to be considered. These seniors DO NOT have to be residents in a facility. They could simply be a friend, family member or community member. Click here to submit your nomination.

Don’t have a veteran to nominate but want to volunteer at the event? Email Shannon Walton.