Osceola’s Museum of Military History, located on west U.S. 192, observed “V-J Day”—the day when Japan surrendered in World War II, effectively bringing World War II to an end on Aug. 15, 1945—with a special ceremony Saturday.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, over 16 million Americans served in uniform during World War II. 670,846 service members were wounded during the war, and 405,399 service members (including 78,750 Missing in Action) sacrificed their lives. Today, it is estimated that there are fewer than 120,000 World War II veterans still living.
On the home front, the entire American people were involved in supporting the war effort, from “Rosie the Riveter,” making ships, tanks and planes to children collecting scrap metal and growing extra food in “Victory Gardens.”
“Our theme to commemorate this 80th anniversary is ‘Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive,’” said museum director and St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson.
Saturday’s observance included free admission to the museum, and a number of organizations and vendors were on hand with displays. Among the organizations were the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Concerned Veterans of America. The newly appointed Osceola County Veterans Service Officer, Army veteran Yinette Lizardo, was on hand to make veterans aware of the services available from her Veterans Service Office.
“We are able to assist veterans in applying for federal, state, and local benefits they have earned from their military service,” said Lizardo.
That evening, a dinner was held in honor of two Osceola County World War II veterans. Louis “Lou” Boria, Jr. fought in the Pacific with the U.S. Marines. He also fought in the Korean War. Pat Rudd of St. Cloud also served in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). She was among one of the first contingent of WAVES to be assigned to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, after the start of the war. Ms. Rudd will be turning 104 in just a couple of weeks.
For more information on the Museum of Military History see https://bit.ly/4aqCseW.
