Virtual commemoration ceremony for World War II veterans at Hidden Springs Senior Living

On May 14, 2020, The Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Hidden Springs Senior Living Facility combined for a virtual commemoration ceremony for World War II veterans living at the facility. This event was coinciding with the Victory in Europe in May 1945. The State of Virginia has minted coins to honor the 75th Anniversary of Victory in World War II and the 100th Anniversary of World War I.

Due to restrictions caused by the pandemic, a virtual ceremony was developed by the Veterans Affairs Committee of the Colonel James Wood II Chapter and Hidden Springs. The SAR portion was made via zoom with physical presentation made by facility staff members complying with designated safety guidelines.

Daryl Davison presents the awards to Sydney Garner, Ross Montgomery, Jeanne Montgomery, Al Lawrence and Frank Brandon.

There are nine WWII veterans living at the facility: Dick Bentley, Frank Brandon, Sydney Garner, Bill Griffith, Ben Lacy, Don LaFever, Al Lawrence, Jeanne Montgomery and Ross Montgomery. To facilitate the needs of these individuals, the ceremony was conducted in three locations within the facility. The event was led by a short welcome from Dale Corey, Veterans Affairs; an invocation by Reverend Jim Simmons and the Pledge of Allegiance by Paul Christensen. This was followed by a welcome and greetings from Bill Schwetke, President, Virgina Society Sons of the American Revolution (VASSAR) and Marc Robinson, President, Colonel James Wood II Chapter. This was followed by a presentation by Brett Osborn, National Society Sons of the American Revolution, Veterans Affairs Committee.

Compatriot Osborn briefly described events surrounding the surrender of the Axis powers. The instrument was signed May 7, 1945, with all hostilities ceasing on May 8, an hour before midnight. The event coincided with President Harry Truman’s 61st birthday, who dedicated the victory to the memory of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had died April 12, 1945, after leading the country through the majority of the war.

Veterans Dick Bently, Ben Lacy and Don Lafever.

It was noted that 70 million people fought in WWII. Major players in the Allied powers saw massive casualties. The Soviet Union lost 7.5 million soldiers, China 2.2 million, the United States 400,000 and Great Britain 330,000. For the Axis, Germany had 3.5 million and Italy 77,000 casualties.

After the presentation, Daryl Davison, owner of Hidden Springs, presented Certificates of Appreciation and the Virginia Coins to the veterans. The event was attended via zoom by Jeff Thomas, 1st VP, VASSAR; Ken Bonner, Color Guard Commander, VASSAR; Mike Weyler, President Colonel William Grayson Chapter SAR; Charles James, President Culpeper Minute Men Chapter; and CJWII members Chip Daniel, Lew Ewing, Don Dusenbury, Rob Fagan and Ralph Pierce.