A Spirit of ’45 Day event was held on 42ne-43rd Broadway Plaza in Times Square on Thursday, August 14, 2014, to officially kick off the countdown to the events and activities that will be taking place next year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on August 14, 1945.
The event featured live ‘40’s music, an intergenerational group of veterans from WWII to the present day, and those who have supported them on the Home Front. Included were Pat Little, the National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Harriett Thompson, a 91 year old cancer survivor, who has achieved national attention as a marathon champion, and Dr. Bruce Heilman, 88, a WWII Marine veteran who has served as Chancellor of the University of Richmond for the past 30 years and recently drove his motorcycle from Virginia to Alaska. The event concluded with a wreath ceremony and a performance of “Taps.”
Dan Santagata and long time friend Adrienne Hopkins members of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge were in attendance. Dan served in the 5th Infantry Division and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
Photos submitted by Adrienne Hopkins