NATIONAL SPIRIT OF '45 DAY
National Spirit of '45 Day honors the can-do attitude of an entire generation affected by the trials and hardships of World War II. Observed every year on second Sunday in August, communities around the country hold events and memorials. Each one honors those who have inspired us, sacrificed, and preserved our nation for future generations.
#SpiritOf45Day
The day ideally sets out to illustrate the people of the Greatest Generation. Over the years, iconic images have been imprinted on our minds. However, they only tell a part of the story. Still, thousands more remain to be told. Spirit of '45 Day urges us to explore the history. Listen to the stories. Get involved and help preserve the memories of those who lived it.
Around the world, servicemen and women stepped up to the task in the Pacific, Europe, the Mediterranean or Africa. At home, men and women provided valuable food, parts, and labor. Everyone did their part. The youngest of them managed farm work and took on duties on the homefront. Often, supplies of certain items were low - rubber for tires or leather for shoes for example. And gas, too. Rationing was not uncommon.
The generation innovated. They sacrificed. And roles shifted. While they did, technology advanced, too. As a result, manufacturing faced a new horizon.
Those motivated to do their duty often did so a personal cost. While migrating great distances, sometimes the only means of communication was the post office. Journalists filled in the blanks via radio and newspaper. Their words filled the airwaves or emptied bottles of ink onto pages with their stories. And the nation paid attention.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SPIRIT OF '45 DAY
Even though 75 years have passed, so much can be learned from those who endured World War II. Some of those lessons are still being learned today. The Spirit of '45 Organization provides a place to register and find events for the upcoming Spirit of '45 Day. They also share past Spirit of '45 events to keep the inspiration, honor, and preservation alive.
Visit with one of the Greatest Generation and record an interview.
Dive into history and uncover the untold stories by touring the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Learn about people like Betty Wason or the contributions of the USO.
Help create a wall of honor with the Spirit of '45 organization.
Share using #NationalSpiritOf45 on social media.
NATIONAL SPIRIT OF '45 DAY HISTORY
In 1996, a project paired children with seniors to document their memories from World War II. Started by Warren Hegg and the Spirit of '45 Organization, the project grew. Soon they realized many shared a common story.
In 2009, spokesman Ernest Borgnine and Edith Shain* talked about a day honoring the World War II generation. A year later in 2010, Congress passed a joint resolution in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the day President Truman announced the end of World War II.
*Edith Shain is one of the women who claims to be the woman kissing the sailor in the iconic Times Square photo.
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Manhattan Project National Historical Park
The Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki
At 11:02 am local time in Japan, a bright flash of light, far brighter than the sun, illuminated the city of Nagasaki through a cloud-covered sky. Soon, a sharp boom rang out. It was August 9, 1945, and the United States had just dropped the plutonium-fueled atomic bomb "Fat Man.”
Shockwaves destroyed the immediate surroundings of the blast’s center. Within 3,000 feet (900 meters) of the bomb's hypocenter, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and other institutions felt the impacts of the bomb. The blast instantly incinerated everything nearby: people, trees, homes, cars, and buildings. Thousands of people were exposed to acute radiation, and at least 40,000 people died as result of the atomic bombing. In addition to the immediate deaths, tens of thousands more people suffered physical and emotional traumas that have not yet healed.
The atomic bombing of Nagasaki is one of only two times an atomic weapon has been ...
