Spirit of '45 Bay Area

01/07/2021

The Greatest Generations Foundation

(JAN 07, 2021): AMERICA REMEMBERS – It is with a heavy heart, we share the news that the gorgeous AGNES MOORE, a Rosie The Riveter of World War II, has died. She was 100.

Agnes Moore was born February 24th, 1920, in Searey County, Arkansas, where her family owned a small farm. In 1942, Moore moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and began work as a welder in the Kaiser Shipyards. Agnes Moore Worked: Kaiser Shipyard #3; Richmond, CA as a Welder. Shortly after Pearl Harbor, Agnes heard a radio announcer say, "Women, do something for your country, go to the Richmond Shipyards and be a welder." She became a certified Journeyman Welder and worked for four years in Kaiser Shipyard #3 on the nightshift.

Moore's resilience saw her through some tough times, the loss of her firstborn daughter from cancer, the loss of both husbands. The perseverance in going to college in her 30's, becoming a bookkeeper, opening her own seamstress business. The many memories that put a smile on your face, including that she recently gave up driving her Porsche Boxter at the age of 99!

She was very much loved and will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

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

01/04/2021

Spurit of 45 fans will enjoy this book by historian William Breuer. Most of the stories are a page or two long making this a good book to browse through and jump around in.

12/27/2020

1942: Nurse Amy Ricketts and Air Raid Warden Fred Klink discuss how to keep the town safe in case of Japanese attack. At Bay Area Spirit of 45 in 2021 you can learn more about how the Office of Civilian Defense system worked in World War II. (Photo by Dori Luzbetak)

12/24/2020

Friends of the National World War II Memorial

Some great Xmas photos and song.

As we remain apart during this holiday season, we unite to remember and honor the 16-million-strong men and women who wore the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII and who took on the fight against authoritarianism, fascism, and racism to bring freedom to millions around the globe.

We remember them.

During this challenging year, thank you for your kind support of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial.

Thanks to your generosity, in 2020, Friends brought visitors together for national ceremonies and experiences at the WWII Memorial and for online commemorative and educational programs centered around the themes of American unity, shared values and ideals, and the spirit of community.

12/18/2020

And our Tree at Christmas in the park at History Park.

12/17/2020

Our display at Christmas in the Park.

12/08/2020

101st Birthday Celebration for Tuskegee Airman Brigadier Gen. Charles McGee

Some happy news from Maryland.

101st Birthday Celebration for Tuskegee Airman Brigadier Gen. Charles McGee

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/101st-birthday-celebration-for-tuskegee-airman-brigadier-gen-charles-mcgee/2499003/%3famp

Decorated Tuskegee Airman Brigadier Gen. Charles McGee is about to turn 101 years old. On the eve of that major milestone, people went to his home in Bethesda for a fitting tribute, including a military flyover — a nod to his fighter pilot days. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports on the celebrations.

12/07/2020

Great pictures of then and now. Pearl Harbor Dec 7, 1941

Check out these incredible photo illustrations created by the U.S. Navy, comparing Pearl Harbor today to Dec. 7, 1941. #RememberPearlHarbor #NeverForget

11/29/2020

These pictures don’t do it justice. Must see in person!

A few shots from the park tonight. It may take a while to get in, but I think you’ll agree, it’s pretty spectacular!

11/26/2020

Happy Thanksgiving!

🇺🇲Giving Thanks to Those Who Served

A M1937 Field Range being used on Thanksgiving. At Thanksgiving time, Sgt Louis S. Wallace, Meadville, Mississippi, prepares two of the many thousands of turkeys that have arrived from the states.

#ww2uncovered #worldwar2 #ww2 #WWII #WorldWarII #ww2history #worldwartwo #greatestgeneration #usarmy #ww2veteran #thanksgivingday #Thanksgiving #usarmy #usarmyvet #salute

Original description and photo sourced by US National World War II Museum and U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum

11/25/2020

Christmas in the Park

History San Jose is decked out in lights. Look for Spirit of ‘45 Bay Area’s display when you visit :)

Remember to purchase your tickets in advance - no "day of" tickets will be available: https://www.christmasinthepark.com/p/buytickets

11/23/2020

Sharing something from a friend on rural electrification. The video in comments is a great glimpse into farm households in the 1940s

11/12/2020

Thanks, Kathy, for sharing this photo.

Spirit of 45 after 2014 Veteran's Day Parade, My dad Bill Hall (red jacket) was 96 at that time, he passed a month later. on Dec 14, 2014,. He loved Spirit of 45, participated in 5 parades. Wonderful memories, thanks to Spirit of 45 for giving us an opportunity to honor WWII Veterans.

11/12/2020

The spirit of 45 motorpool completed a 50 mile convoy to remind folks today is Veterans Day.

11/12/2020

Happy Veterans Day

11/11/2020

Happy Veterans Day!

Wwii Covoy alert!

No parade this year, but several of the spirit of 45 motorpool vehicles are doing a 50 mile convoy from South San Jose(Oak ridge Mall) to Gilroy (10th street)Starting at 1130am-1230pm today!

If you know a Wwii veteran near our route we be happy to do a drive by. Direct message us ASAP.

Route is along Monterey Highway.

11/11/2020

Our friends over at the Red Oak Victory will be open for visitors starting November 21. We encourage you to visit and help keep our local museums in business.

11/09/2020

Minnesotans recall Apollo 11 recovery mission

A bit about the USS Hornet’s role in the Apollo recovery

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/kare11-extras/minnesotans-recall-apollo-11-recovery-mission/89-214f7d78-ef96-4e97-ad14-2ee87e28a285?fbclid=IwAR3HO5mwMQ8U9jHHhjVrPne6YFwa0uzW_vVYzk7HtLnqhuusVvb15D8Qo3Q

50 years ago Tom, Steve and Bill were young sailors aboard the USS Hornet, when they learned they'd be part of the historic Apollo 11 mission

11/05/2020

Check this out.

For the first time since 1946 a 5" Naval deck gun can be seen in the Red Oak Victory's aft gun tub.

10/31/2020

13 Halloween Songs from the 1920's & 1930's – Full Song Playlist

Happy Halloween! 🎃

Here’s some vintage Halloween music for spooky ambiance. 🎃 👻 🕷💀

https://youtu.be/U6Mpipp-KgQ

13 Halloween songs from the 1920's & 1930's! Hush Hush Hush Henry Hall 1932 Heebie Jeebies Boswell Sisters 1931 The Haunted House New Mayfair Dance Orchestra...

10/20/2020

The Peralta Adobe and Fallon House are part of History San Jose’s holdings. They are located downtown next to San Pedro Square. Make an afternoon of it - take a tour then grab lunch or dinner.

History San Jose is where Spirit of ‘45 Bay Area has its office 🙂

Tours start tomorrow, get your tickets today!

https://www.historysanjose.org/wp/programs-events/

10/18/2020

Friends - how was the War is Over and the Boys are Coming Home event at the SS Red Oak Victory today?

Those of us who could not make it would love to see your videos and pictures. Please tag us or list us as “is with” when you post the pictures

We can’t wait to see the fun you had today!

10/17/2020

It's Been a Long, Long Time

Today we are celebrating that the War is Over and the Boys are Coming Home at the SS Red Oak Victory

We hope that everyone enjoys the fresh air, sunshine, and community.

https://youtu.be/iP0tHmoc1rs

Provided to YouTube by The Orchard Enterprises It's Been a Long, Long Time · Kitty Kallen · The Harry James Orchestra The Kitty Kallen Collection 1939-62 ℗ 2...

10/12/2020

Santa Clara 2020 Virtual Parade

If you didn’t get a chance to watch this year’s Santa Clara Parade of Champions live, below is the link to the video

Spirit of’45 Bay Area is at the 47:37 mark, plus there is a snippet of Robert Corpus driving his Jeep at 4:02. 🙂

https://youtu.be/GzZqQgt7bpo

Welcome to the 2020 Santa Clara Parade of Champions Virtual Parade.

10/07/2020

SS Red Oak Victory

We sold our 70th ticket today for "The War Is Over And The Boys Are Coming Home"! We're only selling 100, so pull the trigger now if you want to join us on October 17 for music and history commemorating the end of World War II! www.bit.ly/ROVcominghome

09/29/2020

Home | Parade of Champions

Watch this year’s virtual Parade of Champions on October 10

The Santa Clara Parade of Champions (SCPOC) has been a time-honored legacy in Santa Clara since 1945. Generations of Santa Clarans have never forgotten the memories and sense of community that the parade reinforced year after year. Our 501c3 Non profit organization of grass roots volunteers are grat...

09/13/2020

Hi friends! We are working on a couple of projects here at Spirit and we need your video help.

Do you have any video that you can share with us from our past events?

We are looking for video of:
Santa Clara Parade of Champions
Spirit of’45 Day - especially of WWII vets
1940s Dance Party

Please DM us the videos.

And THANKS so much for the help

09/10/2020

Sept 10,1945

10 September 1945: The U.S. Navy large aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVB-41) is pictured underway on the day of her commissioning. From the Robert L. Lawson Photograph Collection.

National Naval Aviation Museum photo # 1996.488.116.075

09/10/2020

A few days before the Wall of Honor came down, the Carrasco family made their annual visit to the wall.

Meet Mrs. Carrasco. She and Joe married in 1948.

A total of 4 Carrasco brothers served during WWII and the Korean War.

09/10/2020

Behind the scenes:

The wall of honor consist of 380 feet of war time photos of wwii vets.

Each year they are carefully cleaned and stored.

If anyone would like to add a photo for 2021 send us a message and we’ll put you on the waitlist. Cost is $200.

09/06/2020

On display for a few more days at history park. Can be seen on outside fence on Senter Rd. Drive by with the AC on!

09/02/2020

Official VJ Day was Sept 2, 1945.

Watch the Official Ceremony for The 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII LIVE today at 8:05 a.m. HST!

75 years ago on September 2, 1945, the peace agreement that ended WWII was signed on board the USS Missouri. Join us on the deck of the Battleship Missouri Memorial to honor all of those who served both in battle and on the home front.

Preceding the official ceremony there will be Legacy of Peace Aerial Parade footage, actual WWII Warbird flyovers, ships in Pearl Harbor, as well as a Naval Pass & Review. The ceremony will begin at the historic time of signing, 9:02am with patriotic music, the Parade of Colors, speeches from dignitaries who helped bring this momentous event to life, as well as music, videos and tributes to our Greatest Generation.

#SaluteTheirService. #HonorTheirHope.

Ways to join — virtually:

Check with your local networks. Many stations will be airing it in Hawaii, across the U.S., and globally.

On our website at 75thwwiicommemoration.org/live

Facebook Live at The 75th Commemoration of the End of WWII

08/28/2020

WWII Chinese-American GI.

Our friends at the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project are hosting a special webinar on the Chinese-American veteran experience during WWII.

Webinar: August 29th (Saturday). 1:15PM – 3:00. Fireside chat, briefing room video, webinar and panel.

Learn more here:
https://bacgg.org/index.php/2020/07/18/operation-chinese-american-g-i-8-29-2020/

Recommended Reading. It is impossible to answer every question submitted to our panel. But many can be answered with an article Major General William Chen has graciously allowed BACGG to post summarizing the involvement and contributions of Chinese American Veterans in WWII. https://tinyurl.com/ChiAmWWIIVets

Our August webinar will be, Operation … Chinese American G.I. This webinar is recognized by the Department of Defense, as a Commemorative Partner, as it celebrates the 75th Anniversary, of the end of WWII. The webinar precedes a September ceremony to honor, Chinese American WWII Vets. The keynote speaker is Montgomery Hom, the Executive Producer for the California Ceremony, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, author, and military historian. We will give you an update, on the September ceremony, which includes military honors, and USO entertainment.

We are taking a different approach, to explore Chinese American WWII history. Yes, you will get all the obligatory dates and places. But we will look at the war, through the lens of the world’s largest private collection, of Chinese American, military memorabilia. For example, we show a pair of boots, with a medal beside it, and then tell the rest of the story … about the hero who filled these shoes. We will roll a film clip from, We Served with Pride, featuring 15 Chinese American WWII Vets, who served, with uncommon valor, as a common virtue.

If you want to get a rare glimpse, of the contributions of Chinese American Veterans. Or hear about women at war, and on the home front. Or just have a good time, don’t miss this session.

08/16/2020

Today the spirit of 45 motorpool was honored to pay tribute to an 8 year old who passed away from complications from Leukemia. He was a brilliant kid, amoung his many favorite past times was studying WWII.

www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-jose-ca/kekoa-pagan-9149379

08/16/2020

Spirit of 45 motorpool out celebrating the end of WWII.