Salute to World War II Veterans Jamboree

Saturday, September 12, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hannah Block Historic USO

Second & Orange Sts., Wilmington

Expected to be a repeat performance of the highly successful

2005 Jamboree when 90 veterans and home front workers

participated, and nearly 1,000 visitors attended

Our “Thank You” to all who served

Join other WWII veterans and home front workers

Enjoy memories, fellowship, and nostalgia:

- Meet the public and swap wartime stories

- Display WWII memorabilia, uniforms, documents, photos

at individual tables

- Refreshments served - Lunch provided to participants

- Free admission - Donations accepted - WWII music

Interested Participants Contact

Doris Ayers at 910-796-3292 or DAyers91@aol.com

Sponsored by the

World War II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition

P.O. Box 425, Wilmington, NC 28402

910-793-6393; JonesWD@aol.com

  ****************************
World War II Wilmington

Home Front Heritage Coalition

P.O. Box 425, Wilmington, NC 28402

Immediate Release: May 27, 2009

Contact: Wilbur Jones
793-6393; JonesWD@aol.com

Second Salute to World War II Veterans
Jamboree Planned for September 12
at Hannah Block Historic USO

By popular demand from those who served 65 years ago, Wilmington's second “Salute to World War II Veterans” jamboree is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hannah Block Historic USO at Second & Orange Streets in Wilmington.

The first event, held in 2005 and also sponsored by the World War II Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition, was a huge success. More than 90 veterans and home front workers participated, and more than 900 visitors attended.

Persons interested in participating are urged to contact Coalition vice chairman Doris Ayers at 796-3292 or Dayers91@aol.com.

Veterans and home front workers will exhibit wartime memorabilia, uniforms, souvenirs, photos, and documents to share with the public, and swap stories and experiences. A scorecard will identify a participant’s military service and combat theater, and direct visitors to exhibit tables.

World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Col. Charles P. Murray, Jr. USA (Ret.), a 1943 New Hanover High School graduate, attended in 2005 and is invited again. Herman Stancil of Music of Yesteryear will provide wartime music. Refreshments including the wartime USO standard coffee and donuts will be available.

“The veterans have been asking for a repeat production of our highly successful jamboree four years ago,” stated Coalition chairman Wilbur Jones. “In their mid-80's and 90's, they are anxious to interact with the public. This is a wonderful opportunity for families and young people to meet our veterans and home front workers, to listen to their stories, have photos taken, handle their mementoes, and to say 'thank you.'" 

Jones continued, “In no way is this intended to be a ‘last hurrah.’ Rather the jamboree shows our gratitude for their service to our country, and their willingness to help the Coalition’s continuing effort to preserve North Carolina’s rich WWII legacy. Maybe we'll do again.”  

Admission is complimentary. Donations will be accepted.