Keeping the Spirit of ’45 Alive

Recently our two young grandsons visited us for an extended weekend while their parents were traveling. We were excited about our special time together and wanted to find an activity that would be fun and unique, but did not involve technology. This entertainment challenge was quickly resolved when we learned that a Spirit of ’45 event was being held at History Park in San Jose, California. I had first discovered this inspiring and fun-filled event in 2015 and was eager to share it with the boys.

As we packed the four and seven-year olds into the car, I wondered what their reaction would be and what would be their most memorable experiences. They were very eager especially after the seemingly endless car ride to San Jose without their tablets. That was a good sign, as they enthusiastically tumbled out of the car and enjoyed the bumpy golf cart ride to the park entrance.

Before we arrived, I had set the stage for them. I explained that that my daddy, their great grandfather, had fought in a conflict known as World War II. It had taken him and other soldiers far away from their homes and across many oceans. I said that the day’s activities were to honor their great grandfather and the spirit of all the people who helped win that war. While I did not expect them to grasp this, I saw several flashes of understanding light up their faces throughout the afternoon.

The Spirit of ’45 was evident to me in so many ways that Saturday. First, I saw it in the colorful and well- restored 1940’s cars that were the pride of their owners. Then I noticed many people, mainly thirty year-olds, dressed in popular attire of that era. There were also patriotic red, white, and blue banners encouraging us to buy war bonds. Plus, there was a live band that kept us “In the Mood” with their lively tunes and familiar radio songs of the 40’s.

But the most popular feature for the boys was the military displays scattered throughout the main area. The jeeps, trucks, and weaponry immediately grabbed their attention. Awe-struck by being so close to these real remnants of war, the boys were able to touch the items and learn about their history from men dressed in their military fatigues. The oldest boy couldn’t believe that he got to hold a Bazooka and how heavy it was. Perhaps he thought about how strong a soldier had to be to actually use it. The weight of the equipment became real again when they both got to wear a camouflage helmet and sit in an army jeep. They agreed the helmet was heavy and hot, but an important head protector.

One of our favorite memories that day was made at the British Women’s Land Army tent. There I learned that the Land Army had begun in World War I as women were needed to keep the farms running when the men went to war. This continued throughout World War II, and in June 1939 the British government officially designated a Women’s Land Army. Eventually more than 80,000 women, both volunteers and draftees, served in this important home-front enterprise.

There were two really fun and unusual activities that the boys thoroughly enjoyed at this display. They learned how to milk a cow, and they made real butter. While there was no cow, the fake utter provided a realistic hands-on milking experience. The boys now understand that milk just doesn’t come from the local grocery store. They also learned that you don’t need a churn to make butter either. Instead they put heavy cream in a small mason jar and shook it until it separated into buttermilk and butter. Happily, we got to spread the fresh butter on some very tasty bread. Wow, talk about impact! It was indeed a yummy afternoon for all of us, learning about people, places and events that happened over seventy years ago.

I am so glad that the Digital Clubhouse Network started this movement in 2007 as part of a Stories of Service Project. It initially began as a way to preserve “the stories of our nation’s war veterans and others who served our country in its time of greatest need.” But it soon became that and more. Quickly the network community realized its importance, and they were determined to expand the project beyond its original scope. Their successful grassroots efforts finally paid off when in 2010, Congress designated the second Sunday of August as National Spirit of ’45 Day. Now there are Spirit of ’45 events held throughout the country “to honor the legacy of the World War II generation by restoring a spirit of community, can-do attitude, willingness to sacrifice for others, and a sense of national unity.”

Thanks to all the volunteers who brought the Spirit of ’45 alive to the World War II veterans and the Bay Area community on Saturday, August 5. Our grandsons had a wonderful time meeting interesting people, enjoying unusual surroundings and learning something new about their family history. At the end of the day, their simple smiles captured the joyful feeling that peace and freedom bring. Let’s all do our part to keep the Spirit of ’45 alive for the past, present and the future generations. To learn more about the Digital Clubhouse Network and the Spirit of ’45 visit these sites. http://www.digiclub.org/mission/index.html and http://spiritof45.org.