World War II veterans, widows and family members are sought for a special recognition event this summer that will feature music, memories, patriotic moments and much more.
The free City event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 30 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. It will feature a social hour at 11 a.m.; lunch at noon; and a special program at 1 p.m.
The idea for the event came from local veteran Bill Moynihan, who thought such a recognition for WWII veterans was “long overdue.”
“Based on figures released by the Veterans Administration, there were sixteen and a half million men and women who served in World War II, about ninety percent have already died,” Moynihan said. “The mortality rate for the remaining few and often forgotten is estimated to be a thousand per day.”
Armed with that knowledge, a committee was formed that joined forces with various military organizations and other interested community sources to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate veterans of the “Greatest Generation,” he said.
“Tom Brokaw wrote a book entitled ‘The Greatest Generation’ and said, ‘It is, I believe the greatest generation any society has ever produced,’” Moynihan said. “He argued that these men and women fought not for fame or recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. When they came back they rebuilt America into a superpower. Our goal is to honor and recognize them.”
The recognition event will feature outstanding vocal and instrumental talent; lunch; and gifts to commemorate the occasion. Folks who plan to attend this free event should contact either Anna T. Boyce at 949-837-5484; ATBoyceRN@hotmail.com or Shari Scott at 949-770-6897; mexgringa2003@yahoo.com. Donations will also be accepted to benefit local veterans. Make checks payable to the American Legion Saddleback Valley Post 862 at PO Box 2831 Mission Viejo 92690.
