This year’s Lee County Spirit of ’45 holds a lot of meaning. Every year, I am asked what makes this year “special” or different from other years. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 13th year of Spirit of ’45’s nationwide initiative.

Each year, National Spirit of ’45 Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in August. This year, the date falls out on Aug. 14, the exact anniversary date of Aug. 14, 1945, the day the war was announced over.

The Lee County Spirit of ’45 will be celebrating the 77th anniversary of the end of World War II. After some trying last few years, I think it will be great to be able to celebrate something which brings so much positivity. Putting that aside, I think every year that I am blessed in doing this is special.

This is my 12th year as Lee County Chairman and I have seen an abundance of World War II veterans become not well enough to attend any longer, or, pass away. With the help of the media, I have managed to get the word out enough to have new World War II veterans call me to attend. That leaves me with the feeling that there are still members of our greatest generation who are still not aware of this initiative. It is my intention to spread this as far and wide as possible, so that we can honor members of our greatest generation before it is too late. Personally, I am forever grateful for our World War II veterans’ selfless sacrifices during the war. Every generation of veterans is important, however, I feel that the World War II population is dwindling and I would like to see their legacy live on. I am reaching out to ask for your help. I would like to see as many World War II veterans in attendance as possible.

If you are a World War II veteran, please consider attending this event. If you know of any World War II veterans, please pass along this information to them.

If you are a veterans’ supporter, please feel free to make a reservation to attend. I am also greatly in need of financial support, as this event thrives strictly on sponsorship. I have sponsorship levels ranging from $50 – $1,500 which will give you advertising opportunities in my program as well as tickets to the dinner/ceremony. I also have a “Sponsor-A-Vet” program where $45 will cover the cost of a veteran’s meal and your name or the name of a veteran will be listed in the program. This is an elegant sit-down dinner followed by a well-rounded veterans ceremony, to include presentation of colors, national anthem, World War II veteran guest speakers and Taps being played. This is only a small portion of the ceremony. This year, I am sad to say, will more than likely be the last year of holding this event. It is for the sole reason that the World War II generation’s numbers are dwindling and I would like to leave this event on a positive note. I am trying my hardest to make this year very special for our World War II vets.

Please help me celebrate them. The event date is Aug. 14. Dinner/ceremony is held at the Sanibel Harbour Resort/Marriott in Fort Myers. Dinner starts at 4:15 p.m. World War II veterans and spouses of the same generation are free. For all others, the cost is $45 per person. To make a reservation, inquire about the event or to become a sponsor, please reach out to me: Eryka Aptaker, Lee County Chairman to Spirit of ’45. Telephone: (917) 607-4385 or email: ejaNYYgirl@comcast.net. Reservations required. Last date for reservations: Aug. 7. Payments must be received by Aug. 10. I sincerely hope that this article reaches all whom it is intended to reach. Thank you for reading this. God Bless you. God bless the USA. Let’s keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive!

— Eryka Aptaker, is the Lee County Chairman, Spirit of ’45