A National Day of Remembrance

The Spirit of '45 project includes a National Day of Remembrance, a day to remember and reflect upon the courage and contributions of our Greatest Generation through celebrations in cities and communities across America.

The celebrations range from concerts and parades to barbeques in city parks and stage shows in the style of the Bob Hope USO shows that honored members of the military and veterans for so many years. They should all include participation in the Taps Across America and the Stories of Service programs.

The concept was initiated and developed by Digital Clubhouse Network, a non-profit organization which also developed the Stories of Service program, an effort to record personal recollections of the day WW II ended from the Greatest Generation and the stories of the veterans who accomplished this incredible feat.

The country's first Day of Remembrance was held at the San Jose History Park in Kelley Park in 2007. In its second year it was expanded to include a celebration in Long Beach aboard the Queen Mary and included Hollywood celebrities.

In 2009, the project included major celebrations in New York's Time Square and San Diego. The initial goal for 2010 was to expand to at least 100 cities and communities across the nation and initiate the tradition of the Taps Across America project. This goal was exceeded prior to the announcement of the Spirit of 45 project with more than 200 communities announcing their participation.

A nationally renowned musical production, In The Mood Live!, is currently promoting awareness of The Spirit of '45 campaign in each of the 100 cities where they will be performing through April of 2010.

The continuing goal is to expand the concept to include more cities and communities in a national tradition. A bill has been submitted to Congress to officially designate the Second Sunday of every August as a National Day of Remembrance.