COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. -- Keeping the Spirit of '45 Alive! A Collier County group is making sure America's greatest generation is not forgotten, dedicating a weekend to special ceremonies for veterans.

A walk through the Museum of Military Memorabilia, and Peter Thomas takes a trip back in time.

"It takes you back to, well, 1945 you remember the way you were. you remember the country," said Thomas.       

For more than 50 years, the native Floridian has narrated Academy Award winning documentaries, TV specials and The Forensic Files. But the Purple Heart recipient's true passion as a veteran, is keeping the memories of World War Two alive.  

"The whole country was behind us," he remembered.       

The Museum of Military Memorabilia in the Naples Airport has been open for less than a year.

It's funded completely with memberships and donations.

"We ask any and all veterans and anyone else interested in preserving history to come join us," said Museum Vice President Gregory Garcia.

"To shine a light on the future, we must illuminate the past, its really an understanding of the freedom we have, not just the freedom of speech but the freedom to think, the freedom of innovation," said Lois Bolin, Florida Chair for Spirit of '45 & National Leadership Council.       

Thomas says it's important to never forget the more than 400-thousand men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country. "We wouldn't have the country that we have today if it hadn't been for that time and the generation that made it possible," he said.     

Thomas has received a surprise special honor Saturday, he was gifted with the American Spirit Award.

For more information on the Museum of Military Memorabilia, visit this link http://www.museum-mm.org/