Spirit of '45 Celebrations Announced for This Summer

The Spirit of ’45 Will be Celebrated in Park Ridge and Across the Nation This Summer Leading up to August 14 weekend.

With recent press coverage of Victory in Europe (VE Day), the public has been reminded that 70 years ago the last “great war” was coming to a close. However, the battles in the Pacific with the Empire of Japan continued for a few more months until the complete end of America’s involvement in global conflict in late summer.

Park Ridge is among the growing number of communities across the nation participating in events and activities to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of “the Greatest Generation’s Greatest Day”—August 14, 1945, the day World War II ended and America began laying the foundations to assure a better future for her children and her children’s children. KEEP THE SPIRIT OF ’45 ALIVE! www.spiritof45.org is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative to preserve the legacy of the men and women of the Greatest Generation so that their example of courage, self-sacrifice, “can-do” attitude and commitment does not slip into the past, according to Shel Newman, Chair of the local volunteer committee.

Park Ridge was the first city in Illinois to issue a proclamation to observe the third Saturday in August as “Spirit of ’45 Day”. The Spirit of ‘45 in Illinois resolution sponsored by State Senator John Mulroe (SR52) and State Rep. Marty Moylan (HR221) and passed in April in Springfield. Also, the documentary “Maine Flyer” produced by students of Maine Township High School District 207 debuted in May. Using Wartime Memories Project interviews conducted by the Park Ridge Historical Society, the documentary told the amazing story of how Maine Township High School students in just two weeks raised more than $550,000 to buy war bonds. It can be viewed at www.pennyville.org. The War Department named a cargo plane in recognition of the achievement of the wartime class of MTHS. Painted on the nose of the plane was “Faster and Higher—that’s Maine’s Flyer.”

Newman said the local committee comes from a broad spectrum of organizations including the Historical Society, Maine School Dist. 207, City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Park District, VFW, American Legion and more. The committee has planned activities this summer which include a fundraiser at the Pickwick Theatre on August 12 with the showing of “Saving Private Ryan” at 7 p.m. with proceeds helping to pay for rededication of an American Legion war memorial being placed Saturday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. in South Park. As final performance of the Concerts in the Park series, a special free concert on the steps of City Hall on Friday, Aug. 14 will feature Bill O’Connell’s Chicago Skyliners Big Band and special USO-style performances starting at 7 p.m.

The movie event is partially underwritten by Liberty Bank for Saving, Park Ridge. Tickets at $9 will be available for advance sales through the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce by calling 847-825-3121.

Later on Saturday, Aug. 15, narratives about the role of women on the home front—especially Rosie the Riveter—and the Japanese American experience are also planned as “Untold Stories of WWII.” Join in a fascinating afternoon as Col. Jill Morganthaler (Retired U.S. Army) shares her anecdotes of military heroes of African, Native American and Asian descents along with stories of females in the military. She will also serve as emcee for two fascinating presentations including Lynn Rymarz presenting “Rosie the Riveter” and Ann Shimojima telling tales of her family’s experience in the Japanese-American incarceration camps during WWII. There is no admission charge but free-will donations are encouraged. Presentations will be from 2-4 p.m. at the Park Ridge Community Church, 100 Courtland (across from Hodges Park).

A month-long World War II exhibit is scheduled at the Park Ridge Library in August and will include personal stories about Park Ridge during the war, information on the Maine Flyer and the Douglas Air Plant which became O’Hare International Airport and much more. Visit www.parkridgelibrary.org for more information.

Newman notes that Park Ridge is seeking not only to commemorate this important anniversary with these activities but to keep the memory alive of the Greatest Generation who stepped up to halt the greatest surge of tyranny and aggression and outright evil that the world has ever seen.

Join Park Ridge in keeping the Spirit of ’45 Alive and like us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/spiritof45parkridge where you can also donate to the cause.

You may also contact the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce for more information and tickets for the movie event at 847-825-3121