On Aug. 16, at 10 a.m., the National Park Service, the Eisenhower Society and the Gettysburg Foundation invite the public to attend a wreath laying ceremony at the Soldiers’ National Cemetery at Gettysburg National Military Park to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. This event is part of a nation-wide commemoration of the end of World War II organized by the Spirit of ‘45. The wreath laying will take place at the Soldiers’ National Monument and includes an Honor Guard from Gettysburg’s VFW Post 15 and the American Legion Post 202.
“Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive!" is a nationwide, grassroots, nonpartisan coalition of organizations and individuals who are working together to establish an annual day to honor the achievements of what is often referred to as America’s ‘greatest generation’ so that their example of courage, self-sacrifice, can do attitude, service and national unity will forever inspire future generations of Americans. Go to www.spiritof45.org for more information.
On Aug. 11, 1945 then President Harry S Truman announced the ending of the war remembered by many as V - J Day (Victory over Japan Day). The announcement sparked widespread rejoicing and included iconic photographs from Times Square, New York City.
For more information contact Eisenhower National Historic Site at 717/ 338-9114 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/eise
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
