Penny Riddensdale, who serves as activity director at Briarcliffe Manor, is credited with coordinating one of the state’s most unique and heart-warming Victory Day celebrations last Friday at the award-winning, three-building campus in Johnston.
Riddensdale called it the “Spirit of ’45” as a way to “honor the great veterans who served this great country and protected our freedom.”
“Remember, we’re celebrating a huge day in history,” she said under last Friday’s scorching sun as she praised a variety of staffers who helped coordinate the event.
“Some 70 years ago today – Aug. 15, 1945 – was the day our great nation won World War II.”
As a special salute to all veterans – especially those living at Briarcliffe – Riddensdale met with the dietary department and planned a cookout menu and patriotic theme.
Riddensdale noted, “our veterans were seated at a designated table especially for them, and each veteran received a special certificate of appreciation certificate from all of us for their service to our country.”
Riddensdale also noted that during the week leading up to Friday’s event, Briarcliffe has incorporated a World War II victory theme in other activities and programs.
“We had various activities like a sing-a-long of the 1940s and reminiscing about victory gardens, Rosie the Riveter, etc.,” she said. “It is so important for everyone to honor all the veterans, regardless of what war they fought in.”
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