Wilsonville residents Ed Johann and Frank Walsh’s most visceral experiences from World War II took place on different continents and on opposite ends of the United States’ war timeline.
Johann braved the cataclysmic event that pushed the United States into the throes of the most deadly war in human history while Walsh arrested Nazi generals in Munich as the allied forces celebrated victory.
But, through their efforts, both helped the free world stave off totalitarian oppression. And both were honored for their everlasting contributions at the Vital Life Foundation’s “Spirit of 45” event at Aurora Airport Wednesday, Aug. 15.
During the event, Walsh whisked through the clouds in a World War II-era military plane while Walsh and Johann were thanked for their service by dozens of guests, young and old, at the commemorative ceremony.
“This event is unique because it’s a community celebration honoring veterans for their accomplishments and contributions to all of our lives and the impact that they made,” Vital Life Foundation Executive Director Ann Adrian said. “We purposefully make it intergenerational. They’re passing on the torch for future generations. To have the entire community be a part of it is very powerful.”
After the ceremony, Walsh and Johann talked with the Spokesman about the event and their experiences in the war.
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