Youth Carry on the Spirit of '45 in their Communities

Engaging America's youth in the process of establishing National Spirit of '45 Day is central to our strategy for assuring that this new annual day of remembrance and national remembrance continues to gain traction in communities throughout our country.

Youth volunteers are helping members of the World War II generation document their memories of August 14, 1945, by visiting senior and assisted living communities and helping them scan their photos, compose short memoirs and upload them to the Spirit of '45 web site as part of the WWII Couples in Love project.

In May, youth come together on the steps of the National Archives for our annual Memorial Day Tribute to America's Gold Stars, and march with poster size photos of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service during World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and post 9/11 eras.

Youth help gather photos for inclusion in the WWII Wall of Honor banners that are being created in each state that are displayed a National Spirit of '45 Day events in August.

In November, the Boy and Girl Scouts and other youth leaders carry poster size photos of WWII veterans from their community as part of a Spirit of '45 entry in the Nation's Veterans Day Parade in New York City and in parades in other cities and towns throughout America - marching in honor of those who "set the gold standard for service to community" during WWII.

Many youth are now taking this opportunity to their commit to a 100 hours of service in honor of their veteran - -- "putting the legs into legacy" and helping to keep the Spirit of '45 alive in their community.