AURORA, Ore. (KOIN) — Hundreds of veterans and their family members flew in vintage aircraft on Wednesday to celebrate the end of World War 2.
The Vital Life Foundation hosted an all-American summer picnic and flights for veterans at the airport in Aurora. Organizers said it’s a wonderful way to honor those who served.
“We are flying veterans in a beautiful warbird, we’ve got a helicopter going, we’ve got a vintage Boeing Steerman, we have motorcycle rides,” said Ann Adrian, the executive director of the Vital Life Foundation. “It’s like a field day for seniors.”
Robert Horn, a retired Air Force veteran, said it was “absolutely fantastic, far beyond what I ever thought. I’d do it again.”
On August 14, 1945, Japan unconditionally surrendered to the Allies, effectively ending World War 2. Both August 14 and August 15 are now known as V-J Day.
The Spirit of 45 is an annual event put on by the Vital Life Foundation, which also organized the Journey of Heroes — trips to DC for vets to visit the war memorials. They also have a program called Elevated Wishes that grants the wishes of area seniors.
