Thursday marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, and in Savannah, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force commemorated the occasion with events focused on remembrance, education, and sharing personal stories.

During a special “Salute to Victory” event, attendees had the opportunity to listen to a talk given by the son of a World War II airman from the 100th Bomb Group, who recounted his father’s experiences and survival as a prisoner of war.

Visitors also learned about two missions where American bombers dropped food, not bombs, over starving parts of the Netherlands in May 1945.

With less than 1% of U.S. World War II veterans still alive today, events like these are vital for preserving their stories and legacy. Dawn Brosnan, the Mighty Eighth’s director of communications, emphasized the significance of remembrance, stating, “It is important to remember. Even though we have so few World War II veterans left, their families, their relatives, their descendants… they made sacrifices with their time, efforts, and sometimes their lives. So, it is always important to honor and remember them.”