August 11, 2025

San Diego Commemorates 80th Anniversary of WWII End

News Summary

San Diego honored the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion with a gathering at the Air & Space Museum. Organized by Honor Flight San Diego, the event featured veterans sharing their experiences. Among the attendees were 98-year-old Arthur Louis Dioli and 109-year-old Ervin Wendt, showcasing a legacy of resilience. The event emphasized the importance of remembering sacrifices made for freedom. Approximately 550 people attended, reflecting community support for honoring military service members. The occasion also highlighted the contributions of women during the war, acknowledging Rosie the Riveters with Congressional Gold Medals.

San Diego commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a special event held at the San Diego Air & Space Museum on Sunday, August 14. The gathering was organized by Honor Flight San Diego and brought together dozens of veterans to mark this poignant occasion.

The event marked 80 years since former President Harry Truman declared the end of World War II in 1945. Among the attendees was 98-year-old Arthur Louis Dioli, a Navy veteran who enlisted at 17. He served as a Seaman First Class on the USS Wilmette, where he was part of an eight-man crew. Dioli recounted his memories of the day the war came to an end, reflecting on how significant it was in his young life.

Another veteran present was Army Sergeant Max Gurney, who fought during D-Day in Normandy, which was the largest sea invasion in history. Gurney emphasized the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, indicating that the real heroes of the war are those who did not make it home.

The veterans at the event aimed to share their stories with future generations, urging younger individuals to recognize the sacrifices made for the freedoms enjoyed today. Approximately 550 people attended the event, which celebrated not only World War II veterans but also those who served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. Nearly 50 World War II veterans and Rosie the Riveters were in attendance, showcasing a diverse representation of service members.

Among the distinguished attendees was 109-year-old Ervin Wendt, noted as the second-oldest World War II veteran in California and believed to be the sole survivor of the Battle of Midway. His presence was met with great applause, and he stood as a testament to the resilience of the WWII generation. Additionally, over 21 veterans in attendance were aged 100 years or older, showcasing the enduring spirit of these individuals.

Notably, Master Sergeant John A. Curran, who will celebrate his 110th birthday in November, is recognized as the oldest veteran in California. Burdett Sisler, at 111, holds the title of the oldest World War II veteran in North America. The event provided a platform for veterans to share their personal accounts and reflections on their service during the war. This allowed attendees to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences that shaped the lives of these courageous individuals.

Four Rosie the Riveters were honored with Congressional Gold Medals for their invaluable contributions during the war effort, acknowledging the essential roles women played in supporting military operations. Veteran Guillermo Gonzales shared how the military discipline he learned during his service aided his career as a firefighter, along with the emotional toll of the atomic bombings that significantly contributed to the war’s conclusion.

The event encouraged attendees to engage with World War II veterans and inquire about their experiences on that historic day, August 14, 1945. Veteran Juan Montano expressed his pride in being with his fellow servicemen and shared the challenges he faced in discussing his wartime experiences over the years.

Following the event, descendants of American Flying Tigers were invited to Beijing for commemorations related to the end of World War II, ensuring that the legacy of this significant historical moment continues to be recognized and remembered. Meanwhile, the next Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. is scheduled for late September, specifically targeting Vietnam and Korean War veterans.

Honor Flight San Diego operates completely on volunteer support and is sustained through donations. The dedication displayed during this commemoration reflects the community’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the servicemen and women who fought for freedom.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.

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