Editor’s Note
Earlier this summer, North County Daily Star followed Honor Flight San Diego to Washington, D.C., sharing the journey through a six-part series by longtime contributor TR Robertson.
This weekend, many members of the Honor Flight family came together once again, this time at the San Diego Air & Space Museum for the annual Spirit of ’45 celebration. Nearly 550 veterans and guests gathered to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II and reunite with fellow Honor Flight participants.
Robertson was there once again, reconnecting with veterans and documenting a celebration that brought together generations of Americans who served.
Honor Flight San Diego Reunion Celebrates the Spirit of ’45 at San Diego Air & Space Museum
By TR Robertson
The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s was the scene Sunday for the gathering of close to 550 veterans from WW II, Korea and Vietnam wars and their guests for the Spirit of ’45, “A Celebration of the 81st Anniversary of the End of WWII”. This was also a gathering of Honor Flight San Diego participants in a reunion of those that had taken part in an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. The morning event took place in the Theodore Gildred Rotunda of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, under the suspended collection of aircraft, which includes a replica of the famous “Spirit of St. Louis” flown by Charles Lindburgh in 1927.
Attendees began to arrive around 9:00 am as they were allowed to wander and enjoy the San Diego Air & Space Museum exhibits prior to checking in for the 10:30 am celebration. The museum, located in Balboa Park, is famous for a number of exhibits, replicas and real items in their collection. Some of these include the actual Apollo 9 spacecraft, authentic WW I & WW II fighter planes, a 1901 Wright Brother’s Glider reproduction, a Moon Rock from the Apollo 17 trip to the Moon, an Amelia Earhart exhibit, numerous models, exhibits and uniforms and recently added an exhibition of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! items including a statue of Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man who reached a height of 11 ft. 11.1 inches. There are several historic cars in the museum as well, including two 1930 V-8 Ford’s in the Rotunda.
Prior to the start of the ceremony, this reporter was able to visit with a number of the WWII veterans seated toward the front of the stage area. The oldest WWII attendee at the event was Bob Wilson, age 106, approaching his 107th birthday on November 4th. Bob wore his Army uniform and said he was part of the Normandy invasion in WWII. Bob had gone on the Honor Flight in 2018 when he was 99. He was accompanied to this celebration by his daughters Linda and Lori. Bobby Cheaton was part of the 24th Infantry of the famous Buffalo Soldiers from WWII. He said he had joined the Army at age 16 and stayed in the Army for 27 years. He was accompanied by wife Cecilia. Fred Taylor, age 104 approaching 105 on November 13th, had gone on the Honor Flight when he was 101 years old. He was in the Army Air Corps as a P-51 pilot in 1943-45. He said he was stationed in Italy for most of the war flying reconnaissance missions. Two friends from San Diego served in the Korean War from 1951-53, George Sousa and Dominic Di Borea, and both were tuna fisherman owning several boats out of San Diego after the war. 101-year-old Army veteran Andre Chappaz was decked out in his uniform, as was Cleveland Norton, who served in Vietnam from 1967-70 with the 20th Artillery 2nd Battalion Division. Two of the “Rosie Riveters” in attendance were 102 years young Betty Ridenour and 101-year young Ena Slaughter. “Rosie Riveters” were the iconic name attributed to the over 6 million women who worked in the factories and shipyards in the United States during WWII.
At 10:30 am promptly the program began. Vice Chair and Public Relations Director Holly Schaffner welcomed those in attendance and introduced the “Sweethearts of Swing” who sang the National Anthem along with the veterans and guests. The “Sweethearts of Swing” are a trio of ladies who perform songs of the Andrew and McGuire Sisters and others, singing songs from the ‘40’s. They would perform later in the program as well, singing songs like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, “Mr. Sandman” and “Be My Baby”. Holly introduced WWII veteran Bill Ridenour, who will turn 104 this week, who read an Invocation. She then introduced the President of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, Jim Kidrick, who welcomed the veterans. Jim said he is an Air Force veteran and has tremendous respect for all veterans as they embody the spirit of teamwork with a winning attitude. He welcomed all in attendance and invited them to feel free to explore all that the museum has to offer. Holly next spoke about the “Spirit of ’45 “ day, August 14th, when President Truman announced WWII was over. She said the WWII veterans are truly the “Greatest Generation” all time, but those in the military now also have a chance to be a “Greatest Generation” of the 21st century. She pointed out that over 30 WWII veterans and Rosies were in attendance today as well as the Korean and Vietnam veterans who have attended Honor Flights.
Next on the agenda was a reading by Vietnam War veteran Larry Brooks of the “Hymn of the Fallen”. The reading spoke about the bravery and sacrifice of those during WWII and the 16 million that took part along with the 400,000 Americans who perished. Chair and Honor Flight Director Julie Brightwell thanked the Air & Space Museum for providing the Rotunda area for todays event as well as the sponsors for their support. The sponsors include Sycuan Casino and Resort, Kathy and Gary Robinson and an “American Patriot” Donor. A special thank you was extended to Cupid’s Catering, Sweethearts of Swing, Photographer Johannes Hutauruk, Film Producer CJ Machado and all those from the Honor Flight Planning Team. Julie also introduced the Board members, Team Leaders and many of the volunteers who assisted today. She encouraged everyone to contact any WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans who have not been on an Honor Flight and to encourage them to apply. She also said Honor Flight is always in need of financial support and any help they could give would be appreciated.
Holly next gave an intro to a video clip from Operation Call-To-Service featuring the celebration of the end of WWII. She began by saying that the WWII veterans and Rosies in attendance today had an average age of 97-106 and 21 of those in attendance today were over 100 years old. Operation Call-To-Service is a production company dedicated to honoring all those who serve by sharing their stories. In the short clip, several in the audience today were interviewed in the clip. Part of the clip was also an interview of George Mendonsa, the “Kissing Sailor” of the famous WWII photo shot in Times Square NYC on August 14, 1945, as he was kissing dental assistant Greta Zimmer Friedman. Also, in the clip and in attendance at today’s ceremony, was Walter Travis and Rondi Tidmore, a Rosie.
Holly said that years ago there was a ceremony in Washington, D.C., presenting Congressional Gold Medals to many of the WWII “Rosie Riveters”. One scheduled to receive a Gold Medal was unable to attend but was presented with her Congressional Gold Medal today. WWII Rosie and Coast Guard veteran, 101-year young Ena Slaughter, was helped to the stage to receive her award. Holly next said local filmmaker Doug Stebleton was showing a documentary he had made, “America at 250: Through the Eyes of Our Heroes”. The free showing will be on Tuesday, August 25th at 11 am at the Coronado Library. Due to limited space, RSVPing is appreciated by going to www.coronadolibrary.org. Several San Diego WWII veterans are featured.
The “Sweethearts of Swing” sang a medley of songs from the ‘40’s followed by an inspirational “Old Glory” presentation, a tribute to the American flag from an adaptation from “I Am the Flag”, which was originally “My Name is Old Glory”. Melanie Taitano presented her version of “Old Glory” with assistance from Carlos Taitano and Dee Folse. A Benediction by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Rev. Babs Meairs was followed by all veterans and guests joining the “Sweethearts of Swing” in the singing of “God Bless America”.
This amazing gathering of veterans came to a close reminding everyone that on August 8, 2027, veterans would be asked to join in the celebration for the 82nd Anniversary of the ending of WWII.
Honor Flight has flown over 2,200 WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans on a free 3-day trip to visit the war memorials of Washington, D.C. Honor Flight does this 2 times a year, at a cost of over $300,000 for each trip. Donors and sponsors are always needed. Contact www.HonorFlightSanDiego.org for more information. You can also call 800-655-6997. There is also a WWII Memorial registry for WWII veterans at www.wwiiregistry.abmc.gov.
