Keep the Spirit of '45 ALIVE!

12/21/2020

Free Rosie Membership *SPECIAL* | Rosie the Riveter | You Can Do It!

As the holidays grow near, you will share stories and memories in many ways. If you have an elder who is 90 or older, glean the memories of the 40s from them, If they worked during that time you can document that with the American Rosie The Riveter Association. It is free at this time, the process is easy, you need just a little info. If your Rosie has passed, you still can honor her through this link: https://rosietheriveter.net/rosie-shoppe/free-rosie-membership-special/

Qualifications for membership as a Rosie: Any woman who was employed in an industry or agency that was directly related to the war effort OR who was employed in a capacity usually held by a man, thus releasing a man for military duty. This includes self-employment, such as farming. Qualifications fo...

12/09/2020

Dec 8, 1941. A few hours after the bombing on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines were surprised attacked at Clark Air Field on Luzon and the American air power in the Philippines nearly destroyed

Then on Dec 10th, Japanese foot soldiers landed on Luzon.

12/07/2020

The Greatest Generations Foundation

(DEC 07, 2020): Pearl Harbor Remembered - 79th Anniversary: Sailor Stuart Hedley recalls the day when the Battleship West Virginia was hit.

Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, and raised in northern New York, Hedley tried to join the US Navy at 17 but was quickly denied entry. The reason: he was too small, too skinny for navy regulations. Angered by this and knowing he could do the job, Hedley would spend several months in a civilian capacity assisting the military, where he would add muscle and size to his frame. "I gained three inches and over ten pounds!"

Hedley emphatically relates. The added weight and determination showed proof to the recruiters that he was navy material. He would need it. Young Hedley was assigned to the Battleship USS West Virginia, a hard-working crew that felt war to be just a short time off.

December 7th, 1941 began as a calm day, despite reports that Japanese submarines had been sighted doing reconnaissance. Out of nowhere, the attack began. Japanese fighters and torpedo-bombers are coming over the horizon, intent on destroying the US Pacific fleet.

Hedley made his way towards his battle-station at turret #3, where he served as a spotter for the gun. Chaos ensued, with West Virginia taking several hits. Hedley, who had been chastised as a child about not leaning back in his chair with his feet up, narrowly escaped harm. A torpedo or bomb hit his emplacement, and where his legs would have been, had he been leaning back, blew a hole through the compartment. If he had not been sitting correctly, he would have lost his legs.

With West Virginia reeling from the blows it had received, Hedley and his shipmates made their way topside. Hedley recalls leaping into the water feet-first and coming up amid debris and burning oil and swimming for his life towards the shoreline. That raw determination and defiance had kept him alive to fight another day. Hedley would later be assigned to other ships and would see action in the Pacific War. He would later retire in 1960 and work as a civilian contractor for a company inspecting naval vessels.

Today, he makes his home in San Diego speaking with many school groups and fighting to keep the legacy of Pearl Harbor alive.

"Every Day is Memorial Day"
The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org

12/07/2020

Of the 1,000 nurses in the Army Nurse Corps in WWII, only 82 were stationed in Hawaii at the 3 Army Medical facilities on the day of the fated attack on Pearl Harbor. By the end of WWII more than 59,000 American nurses served in the Army Nurse Corps.

They worked closer to the front lines than in any prior conflict providing valuable service at great personal risk. Nurses received 1,619 medals, citations and commendations for their service during WWII.

On this anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day, as we remember the brave young men who perished and those who continued to serve, we also remember the women nurses who worked triage and cared for the overwhelming number of wounded with a shortage of supplies on that horrific day. The attack lasted two hours and through it all they worked fervently to save all they could. According to the Army Nurse Corps, the calm response and skill of the nurses contributed to low post injury mortality rates. We remember and honor those brave young women today.
#Spiritof45 #WWII #Nurses #WWIINurses #usa #RememberingPearlHarbor #pearlharbor

12/07/2020

💥Please Help or Share 💥
Libby Funeral Home out of Beacon NY will be delivering Holiday Stockings to local veterans in VA Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities!

Needed Items: Hand Sanitizer, disposable and reusable masks, candy bars, Candy canes, chewing gum, vitamins, moisturizer, lip balm, shampoo, eye drops, gloves, scarves, playing cards, activity books, and crossword puzzles.
All items can be dropped off at our location 7-Days a Week, starting Nov. 11 until Dec. 20!

For more information, visit our website at https://www.libbyfuneralhome.com/

The Holidays are a time to be grateful and give thanks. However this year has been tougher than most. We at Libby are enlisting the help of your wonderful Beacon, NY community in giving thanks to those who have sacrificed much in services to our country.

We will be delivering Holiday Stockings to your local veterans in VA Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities!

Needed Items: Hand Sanitizer, disposable and reusable masks, candy bars, Candy canes, chewing gum, vitamins, moisturizer, lip balm, shampoo, eye drops, gloves, scarves, playing cards, activity books, and crossword puzzles.
All items can be dropped off at our location 7-Days a Week, starting Nov. 11 until Dec. 20!

For more information, visit our website at https://www.libbyfuneralhome.com/

12/06/2020

American Rosie the Riveter Association - ARRA of Michigan

We love "Rosie" Viola of West Seneca, NY and this wonderful photo taken by Sharon Cantillon of the Buffalo News https://buffalonews.com/news/favorite-photographs-of-2020-by-sharon-cantillon/collection_2d6d281a-35ce-11eb-96e7-2b376c1e680f.html#32

12/05/2020

U.S. Senator Bob Casey

Senator Casey and Mae Krier

My Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act was just signed into law, so of course I had to call one of Pennsylvania's very own Rosie the Riveters, Mae Krier! Rosies set an example of the ‘We Can Do It’ spirit for decades, and we're grateful for their tremendous service.

12/05/2020

On Thursday, December 3, 2020, the President signed into law:
H.R. 1773, the “Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019,” which provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the women in the United States who joined the workforce during World War II, referred to as “Rosie the Riveter”
#CongressionalGoldMedal #rosietheriveter #gotthegold #Spiritof45 #WWII #Rosie #usa #wedidit

12/04/2020

On Thursday, December 3, 2020, the President signed into law:
H.R. 1773, the “Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019,” which provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, to the women in the United States who joined the workforce during World War II, referred to as “Rosie the Riveter”
#CongressionalGoldMedal #rosietheriveter #gotthegold #Spiritof45 #WWII #Rosie #usa #wedidit

11/15/2020

Honor Rosie

A message from Rosie the Riveter Mae Krier. 🌹💪🇺🇸

Here's a very important message from Mae to all of you. Who is ready for our next journey together?

We will post what our next steps might be on the statue.

NEW: If you'd like to be on Mae's email list, please fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemLdHaIOPbvR3bp-Umgpw31oxLqQ8Z2bCAGVPCDuITbItsVw/viewform?usp=sf_link

11/13/2020

Senate passes bill awarding 'Rosie the Riveters' with Congressional Gold Medal

Senate passes bill awarding 'Rosie the Riveters' with Congressional Gold Medal

Bipartisan legislation has been passed in the U.S. Senate honoring women coined as 'Rosie the Riveters.'

11/12/2020

We are all thrilled that the Congressional Rosie the Riveter Gold Medal Bill passed today! Now the bill goes to the president for his signature to become a law. Once that happens the gold medal will hang in the Smithsonian for future generations to know how large a part the Rosies played in winning WWII. Let us always remember and continue to share their legacy.
#rosietheriveter #WECANDOIT #wedidit #Rosie #WWII #spiritof45 #usa #congressionalgoldmedal #gotthegold

11/05/2020

This woman is making sure the legacy of Rosie the Riveter is always remembered

Wonderful video!

#wecandoit #rosietheriveter #rosie

Frances Carter founded the American Rosie the Riveter Association to honor all of the working women of World War II and preserve their history. They are the ...

10/11/2020

Honor Flight San Diego

It's #FreedomFriday and what says Freedom like a Pearl Harbor Survivor?

We are so honored to host a 99th Birthday Party (drive by) for WWII Veteran Stu Hedley! It will be on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 1100-1200. Put on your best Hawaiian shirt, decorate your car, and honk as you drive by.

If you can't make it that day and want to send a card, the address is included here too. Let's give this National Treasure one of his best birthday's ever!

Please share this post with your networks or tag an organization who needs to see this - everyone is invited to drive by and wish him a Happy Birthday!

#GreatestGeneration #NationalTreasure #PearlHarborSurvivor

09/10/2020

Rosie The Riveter Trust

On Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, the U.S. Department of Labor will release the Hall of Honor induction ceremony for the “Rosies.” During World War II, these women riveted, welded and did so much more on the home front to help the nation win the war.

To hear from the Rosies who contributed short stories, you can go to a playlist on our YouTube channel (yes, we have one!) Go to:
http://bit.ly/Rosie-Hall-of-Honor_2020

The Department of Labor’s Hall of Honor was established in 1988 to honor Americans whose distinctive contributions have elevated working conditions, wages and overall quality of life for American families.

To learn more about the Women’s Bureau and their 100th Anniversary celebration visit: https://blog.dol.gov/2020/09/10/inducting-the-rosies-into-hall-of-honor

#RosietheRiveter #rosietrust #wecandoit #HallofHonor

09/08/2020

Dani Masterson American Taps Girl

#Spiritof45 #WWII #thegreatestgeneration #history

09/06/2020

Former Charger Helps WW II Vets Reunite for 75th Anniversary

Former Charger Helps WW II Vets Reunite for 75th Anniversary

When it was determined that it was too risky to travel during the pandemic, four San Diego veterans met in Rancho Santa Fe at the home of former San Diego Charger Donny Edwards, who is the executive director of the Best Defense Foundation, an organization that celebrates and honors veterans, reports...

09/02/2020

The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum

End of War 75th Anniversary: The Pacific: Join us for a digital ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of V-J Day.

09/02/2020

End of War 75th Anniversary: The Pacific by The National WWII Museum

Join us for a digital ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of V-J Day.
https://livestream.com/nww2m/events/9273413

Watch The National WWII Museum's End of War 75th Anniversary: The Pacific on Livestream.com. Join us for a digital ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of V-J Day.

09/02/2020

Apocalypse '45 | Apocalypse '45 at The National WWII Museum | Apocalypse '45

Tonight - Special Digital Screening!
Apocalypse ’45
Wednesday, September 2, 7:00 p.m. CT
To conclude our 75th anniversary of V-J Day programming, join us for a special digital screening of the new Discovery Channel documentary Apocalypse ’45. With never before seen restored footage and the voices of 24 men who lived through these events, this timely documentary highlights the experiences of the last of the Greatest Generation.
Be sure to use code NWIIMUSEUM to register for free.
Register Now: https://bit.ly/3gTEBUR

Apocalypse ‘45 recounts the end of World War II. With never before seen restored footage and the voices of 24 men who lived through these events, this timely documentary highlights the experiences of the last of the Greatest Generation.

08/23/2020

Military Appreciation - Honoring the heroes of WWII

It's Game Day... Time to "Play Ball!" and honor our WWII veterans for the 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII. Game Time 1pm PST

Today they recognize our Greatest Generation! Thank you San
Digeo Padres and Honor Flight San Digeo for all you do to support our military men and women!
#GreatestGeneration #KeeptheSpiritAlive #Padres #PetcoPark #75thAnniversary #EndofWWII #USAA #Spiritof45 #MLB #SanDiegoPadres

The Official Site of Major League Baseball

08/23/2020

Military Appreciation - Honoring the heroes of WWII

On Sunday, Aug. 23rd you will hear the words,"Play Ball!" (1pm PST)And when you look behind the Padres catcher you will see WWII veterans sitting in the stands behind home plate....well, their cardboard cutouts anyway.
We are thrilled to have a number of WWII heroes that'll will be visible behind home plate during the game tomorrow as the Padres and USAA honor the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Thank you to Honor Flight San Diego and the San Diego Padres team for making this possible. What a great way for Keeping the Spirit of 45 ALIVE!

You can see all the veterans and their mini-bios on the Padres website by clicking: https://www.mlb.com/padres/community/military/ww2?partnerId=zh-20200821-238090-SD&qid=34&bt_ee=Sib4UdV%2Fz4TlCrGLEg3GAhRC%2BYnMbdgl%2B%2BF2cWY6aYahOvZalwumjFgF%2BF%2FCGy2T&bt_ts=1598048735695

#GreatestGeneration #KeeptheSpiritAlive #Padres #PetcoPark #75thAnniversary #EndofWWII #USAA #Spiritof45 #MLB #SanDiegoPadres

The Official Site of Major League Baseball

08/20/2020

KARE 11

KARE 11

For a few hours every day, this WWII vet with cancer waves the flag to show his love for the country he fought for. "Before I leave, I want them to remember John 'Never Surrender' Mastrocola."

08/16/2020

Jacksonville National Cemetery
#75thanniversary #WWII #spiritof45 #thegreatestgeneration

08/16/2020

For V-J Day, honoring factory 'Rosies' who helped win the war

For V-J Day, honoring factory 'Rosies' who helped win the war

Even now, the generation that endured the war carries the memory of “V-J Day” with a mesh of joy, relief and sorrow.

08/14/2020

Barbara

Barbara

TODAY: VJ Day. 75 years, August 14, 1945, WWII ended. Oregon paid tribute this past Sunday on Spirit of '45 Day at the Oregon WWII Memorial -- thanking our WWII Greatest Generation for their courage, shared sacrifice, 'can do' attitude, spirit and service. THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN🇺🇸
(Music: In the Arms of Home, Patrick Smith)

08/14/2020

Dani Masterson American Taps Girl

Today marks the 75th Anniversary of the end of WWII. The top photo,I took right before I sounded TAPS on the deck of the USS Midway. The bottom was shot by one of our photographers at the the same time. #spiritof45 #75anniversary #thegreatestgeneration

08/14/2020

Thank you !

For many of us, we were raised by our parents and relatives on stories of great bravery and sacrifice in the protection of the freedoms and human rights of many people. In memory of those brave men and women, we must never forget all that World War II not only cost in terms of human life and destruction but in what it means for the heroes who fought successfully against oppression, facism, and racism. And, never forget what it means for the glory of the American flag, no matter how it was flown in combat or in peace. Supervisor Thurston.

Now therefore, the following proclamation is issued:

PROCLAMATION from the WAPPINGER TOWN SUPERVISOR on the 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE END OF WORLD WAR II, August 14, 2020

WHEREAS, On August 14, 1945, the people of the United States received word of the end of World War II and greeted the news of the Allies’ noble victory with joyous celebration, humility, and spiritual reflection; and

WHEREAS, over 250 Wappinger residents, served in each of America’s armed forces during World War II and fought in every theater of operations, from the Pacific Islands to North Africa to the European fronts; and

WHEREAS, the Village of Wappingers Falls had more residents per capita serve than any other village in the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Wappinger and Village of Wappingers Falls’ private sector contributed considerably to
the war effort, from the goods manufactured within our factories to the manual labor constructing public works landmarks; and

WHEREAS, the people of the great Town of Wappinger honor those who served in the armed forces during World War II, remember the 5 Wapperians who gave their lives to protect our freedom, and thank the
men and women who supported the war effort on the home front; and

WHEREAS, the victory marked the culmination of a national effort that defeated the forces of aggression, brought freedom to oppressed nations, and ended the horrors of the Holocaust; and

WHEREAS, August 14, 1945, marked not only the end of the war but also the beginning of an unprecedented era of rebuilding, during which the World War II generation helped to strengthen American democracy by promoting civic engagement, volunteerism, and service to community and country; and

WHEREAS, the entire World War II generation, military personnel and civilians alike, has provided a model of unity and community that serves as a source of inspiration for current and future generations of Americans to come together to work for the continued betterment of the United States of America and the human race.

THEREFORE, I, Dr. Richard L. Thurston, in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, do hereby
proclaim August 14, 2020, as SPIRIT OF ’45 Remembrance Day in the great Town of Wappinger and I encourage all Wappinger Town residents to pay tribute to the historic accomplishments and sacrifice of the people of Wappinger, the State of New York, United States of America.