Spirit of ’45 Honors Special WWII Veterans

Aurora, OR. A celebration called the Spirit of ’45 honored WWII Veterans on August 15th at the Aurora Airport. The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) came to Oregon to provide free flights for some special vets, using fully restored Boeing Stearman biplanes. These open cockpit airplanes were used to train many military aviators in WWII. The radial engine has the ability to bring back nostalgic memories for veterans and seniors.

The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) has provided more than 1,900 Dream Flights since 2011.

Vets in Aurora also enjoyed flights in a restored a 1940’s DC3 plane. This particular DC3 will be flying to Normandy next year to honor the 75th anniversary of D-day.

Fully restored Boeing Stearman biplane.

The event also included a speech from Rishi Sharma, a 20-year-old who’s dedicated his life to interviewing every living WWII combat veteran until the last one is gone. Additionally, kids’ activities, music, games and trivia were included in the program.

From Aviation Dreams Foundation:

For this event, the ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation partnered with The Vital Life Foundation. Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation (AADF) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, volunteer based organization dedicated to honoring seniors and United States military veterans living in long-term care communities around the country. The Foundation’s only mission is “Giving Back To Those Who Have Given”.

The Foundation is made up of volunteers who donate their time and talents to fulfill our Mission. The Foundation relies on generous donors to fund the cost of the Dream Flights, which are offered to seniors and U.S. military veterans in long-term care facilities at no charge.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.