Upstate-Residents-WWII-Veterans

On Sunday, August 11, a large number of upstate residents gathered at the Reedy River Baptist Church in Travelers Rest, SC, to honor the World War II generation. A myriad of citizen groups joined together to give tribute to the Greatest Generation who won World War II and rebuilt the Western World. This generation played an important role in assuring the freedoms we all enjoy today.

Spirit of ’45, authorized by the U.S. Congress in 2010, is an annual event on the 2nd Sunday of every August.  Travelers Rest began annual celebrations in 2011 and, just this year, Senator Mike Fair read a proclamation from Governor Nikki Haley making Spirit of ’45 a state-wide commemoration of World War II which ended on August 14, 1945.

Groups participating in Spirit of ’45 Upstate included American Legion Post #3 Color Guard, Berea and Blue Ridge High School Air Force JROTC units, Boy Scouts of Troop 282 and Girl Scouts of Troop 2577. Also taking part were the Upstate Young Marines, an Alumni Chorus from Travelers Rest and Slater-Marietta High Schools, Honor Flights of the Upstate, the Military History Club of the Carolinas, and the American Legion War Museum. Dot Bishop, Blue Star Mothers organization representative, presented a special certificate of appreciation to Gracyn Moore, of Honea Path, S.C., who raised $10,000 for Honor Flight as a part of her 16th birthday celebration.

Dr. Courtney Tollison Hartness explained what life was like during World War II on the Homefront while the men were participating in military operations in Europe and South Pacific.

“Victory” Gardens were planted  and Ration stamps were issued for products that were in short supply.

Patriotic music was performed by the Travelers Rest/Slater Marietta High School Alumni Chorus, directed by Mrs. Patricia Hunt Fisher and accompanied by Mrs. Harriett McCarrell Organist and Mrs. Tracy on the Piano.

Sponsored by the Travelers Rest Historical Society and the City of Travelers Rest, Spirit of ’45 Upstate not only attracted a large attendance but also 21 living World War II veterans. Numerous examples of World War II memorabilia were on display.

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