Greenspring WWII Veterans View V-E Day Flyover

(Springfield, Va.) - Residents from Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, Va. traveled to Rosslyn on the afternoon of Friday, May 8 to view the commemorative V-E Day flyover. Many of those who made the trip were veterans of WWII and some had served in the war as aviators themselves.

“I wanted to see my bird again,” said resident Bob Sherman, a retired Navy Captain who flew fighter planes during WWII.

Nearly 25 residents watched and applauded as WWII-era aircraft flew overhead. The event stimulated a host of memories and emotions from 70 years ago after the veterans learned the war in Europe was over.

“It was announced to us at our bombing briefing at seven in the morning,” said resident Charles Fletcher, who served in Europe during WWII. “It meant we were going home. We weren’t going to lose any more friends.”

To further honor the 70th anniversary of V-E Day, Greenspring’s History Forum and Women in Military Service (WIMS) resident groups will host a commemorative event on Thursday, May 14. Several residents will recount their experiences from May 8, 1945.

ABOUT GREENSPRING:
Greenspring, one of 18 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 58-acre campus in Springfield, Virginia. The community is home to nearly 2000 residents, many of whom reside in the community’s 1404 independent living apartment homes. At Greenspring, over 200 resident-run and resident-driven programs promote an engaged, fulfilling lifestyle reflected in resident satisfaction levels that exceed the industry average. Additional information about Greenspring can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.