FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – America’s Greatest Generation will be honored on Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo with a program titled, “Keep the Spirit of ‘45 Alive,” commemorating the 67th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery and Bugles Across America-Alabama will host the event beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program will include a reenactment of the flag raising at Iwo Jima, patriotic music, flyover, a 21 gun salute and Taps to commemorate the occasion.

Keep the Spirit of ‘45 Alive, a grassroots national campaign, encourages Americans and future generations to carry on the legacy of national unity and commitment to service of the WWII generation.

In 2010, Congress passed a resolution that supports the observance of “Spirit of ‘45 Day” as a national day of remembrance for the “Greatest Generation.”

The official date for the end of WWII is Aug. 15, 1945, the day Japan officially surrendered. Because of the time zone differences, the U.S. was informed of the surrender on Aug. 14, which is also known as Victory over Japan Day or V-J Day.

The Alabama National Cemetery is located at 3133 Alabama 119.