National Spirit of ’45 Day is a holiday that remembers the achievements of the Greatest Generation. Also known as the WWII Generation and the G.I. Generation, these are the men and women who won World War II despite facing incredible odds. They were not only able to win this war through innovation and determination but also through sacrifice.

And it’s for these reasons that we celebrate this day every year. This holiday falls on August 14th every year because this is the day in 1945 when World War II came to an end. It’s a day that’s been remembered with pride ever since.

The History of National Spirit of ’45 Day

Although this day has been thought of with fondness for over 76 years, it didn’t actually become a holiday until quite recently. It all started when the Spirit of ’45 Organization was created in 1996 when a project paired children with seniors from the Greatest Generation so that their memories could be documented for posterity.

Then in 2009, the day was made an official holiday, and by 2010, the U.S. Congress had passed a joint resolution that commemorated the 65th anniversary of the day in 1945 when President Truman announced to the American public and the world that WWII had ended.

Amazing Facts About the Greatest Generation

Let’s go over some of the facts that we learned about the Greatest Generation and that we feel might be a complete surprise to people who aren’t intimately familiar with WWII.

• The Greatest Generation usually refers to people born between 1901 and 1927.
• The characteristics of the Greatest Generation include personal responsibility, humility, and a dedicated work ethic.
• The Greatest Generation is also known for its financial prudence.

Observing National Spirit of ’45 Day

On this day, everyone should take the time to learn more about the Greatest Generation and what they managed to accomplish during and after WWII. This can be done by reading through history, heading to a WWII museum, or by watching a documentary on the subject. People can also spread the word about this holiday using the hashtag #SpiritOf45Day on their social media posts.