The National Historic Landmark Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum welcomes all to celebrate the NATIONAL SPIRIT OF’45 DAY Saturday, August 17, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with speakers, docent-led workshops, uniformed lighthouse keeper- docents on the station grounds to answer questions and conduct mini-tours. There will be a take-home children’s craft.
National Spirit of ’45 Day was established 17 years ago not only to commemorate the 79th anniversary of August 14, 1945 when President Truman announced to the nation that Japan had surrendered and that World War II was over. The Spirit of ’45 Day is more to honor the “can-do” attitude of an entire generation affected by the hardships of the periods of time lived in by that generation specifically at home, and on the battlefield. They faced and adapted to more uncomfortable changes and challenges in the decades before, during and after the war than any other generation. While millions of Americans served overseas fighting fanatic regimes on two fronts and three fascist countries, at home men and women provided incredible and unparalleled support. They sacrificed; family and traditional roles radically shifted, they innovated, shared responsibility and did much more than their duty to rebuild and protect American lives.
A special multi-media presentation by Lead Docent John Mann at 1 pm will focus on the formidable, unparalleled, dizzying transitions and transformations that “the greatest” generation faced. Just think of some example: Kitty Hawk to The Sea of Tranquility in about sixty years, or two world wars across oceans during the same time-frame.
Regular admission to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse will cover all presentations and special events.
