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Spirit of '45 Event honors veterans at Pinchers

Greg Garcia, VP Museum of Military Memorabilia left gives the history of a German helmet to WWII vet Bob Aubuchon who served with the occupying forces in Japan.

Photo by GORDON CAMPBELL

Greg Garcia, VP Museum of Military Memorabilia left gives the history of a German helmet to WWII vet Bob Aubuchon who served with the occupying forces in Japan.

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  • In addition to the human interest and interaction lots of wartime memorabilia was on hand. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Lois Bolin Co-Founder of Naples Backyard History and Chairwoman of Florida Spirit of '45, both organizations dedicated to preserving and recognizing World War II era history. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • With wrench held high Helen Zumbrun takes the 'Rosie the Riveter' contest. She's lively and lots of fun. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Helen & Bill Zumbrun readying for the commemorative kiss...Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Kids and families had an opportunity to see military history and gain appreciation for the very veterans in the room at Pinscher's. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Authentic original jeep complete with battle gear owned by Gregory Garcia of the Museum of Military Memorabilia. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • The real 'Rosies'. Kay Thackston, left assembled C-47 & C-54 cargo ships in Chicago while Helmi Juntunen Mc Hardy readied P-47 Thunderbolts for the wartime skies. Both worked long hot days in unairconditioned assembly plants taking salt pills to stay hydrated. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Greg Garcia, VP Museum of Military Memorabilia left gives the history of a German helmet to WWII vet Bob Aubuchon who served with the occupying forces in Japan.
  • Medal of Honor bestowed by the French & pinned to Aaron Snyder's chest. He saw combat in all 5 European campaigns including D Day & the Battle of the Bulge. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • The famous kiss completed by 65 year couple Helen & Bill Zumbrun, Bill a WWII vet. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Aaron Snyder, gentleman and WWII vet saw heavy fighting when his anti aircraft unit was the first of its kind to storm the beaches at Normandy. He's also winner of the French Medal of Honor. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Escape kit for airmen and soldiers in the Pacific theatre. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Self defense weapons carried by many WWII soldiers. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • There they go ready to re enact the famous scene...Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Sand sculpt replica of the famous 'Kiss'. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Pinscher's Crab Shack at Tin City provided free meals to 100's of WWII vets and their families. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Married 65 is Helen Zumbrun, acting here as 'Rosie the Riveter' & husband Bill Zumbrun a WWII vet who served with the Navy in bomb disposal. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Army combat nurse, Katherine Nolan, 90 and grandaughter Nooriel along with grandson Adam. Katherine saw action in all 5 European campaigns too and is the only woman awarded the French Legion of Honor. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • During the war lots of manufacturers re tooled for the effort. Stetson Hats made the wool crushers worn by many servicemen. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.
  • Ed Mc Carron, 91 shows his honorable discharge papers still in pristine condition. Photo by Gordon Campbell/Special to the Daily News.

With literally 100s of WWII vets and their families on hand throughout the day, Pinscher's was the seat of not just an iconic contest but of living history too.  With vets ranging to over 90 years old, authentic stories of the D Day invasion with its horrors, the brutal conditions at the Battle of the Bulge and the sweltering atmosphere of wartime factories where real ''Rosie the Riveters' assembled our machines of freedom were shared.

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