On August 14, the City of Broken Arrow and the Military History Center hosted the 74th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) at the Veterans’ Park in Broken Arrow. 

The event was organized by veteran Frank Reisinger, who was in Tulsa when the surrender was announced. Over 200 hundred veterans and citizens attended. The crowd was entertained by the 145th Army Band and Maggie Bond, Miss Broken Arrow, who led in the singing of the National Anthem and God Bless America.

The invocation was offered by Pastor Nick Garland of the First Baptist Church of Broken Arrow. Dr. Clarence Oliver, the director of the Military History Museum, emceed the event.  Dr. Oliver is a Korean War veteran who served with Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Division and became superintendent of Broken Arrow Schools after his military service. Municipal proclamations were read from the Tulsa Mayor’s Office, BA City Councilman Scott Eudey, and Broken Arrow Mayor Craig Thurmond.   Thurmond is the son of a World War II veteran, and his son recently served in Afghanistan as combat medic. Thurmond is a veteran of the Marine Corps, and is a member of the American Legion.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a VJ Day observance proclamation, and it was presented by State Senator John Haste. Other dignitaries included Representative T.J. Marti and Briadier General Thomas Mancino, of the Oklahoma National Guard.

The guest speakers included Chief Warrant Officer Four (Retired) Mark Howell, and Colonel Lance Turlington. CW4 Howell is a combat veteran and former Personal Security Officer to General David Petraeus.

Turlington is currently serving on active duty as the Staff Judge Advocate for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.  He also served in multiple combat deployments, and addressed the audience on the legacy of national service that we inherit from our WWII veterans.  Turlington’s grandfather, Sergeant Robert Leroy Kelly, served in the Pacific Theater of the war and died in the Philippines.

“This is a great day in American history, as it marks the unconditional surrender of the Japanese Empire to the Allies,” Turlington said. “Today we observe the surrender, and what it represented: the culmination of our national response to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

“On this day we remember when we became a nation at war, and Americans responded by joining the military by the millions. 16 million Americans answered the call of duty, and that is why we recognize this generation as a generation of heroes. They made this a great day in American history, and we remember…

“The public, however, has a military awareness problem. Half of our youth don’t really know anything about military service, and only about 1% of the population serves. Because so many young people don’t know much about the service, they don’t join. They don’t understand the commitment, the comradery, or the values…

“We all want to be like that generation of heroes that saw their nation attacked, and when Uncle Sam said ‘I want you!,’ they answered the call. So, understand that VJ Day is not a page in history to be turned, as academic trivia. This day is a part of who we are. We inherit this legacy.

“The legacy was not ‘I fought so you don’t have to.’ No, we cannot afford to think like that. The legacy is the example they set: When our nation is under attack, honorable, able bodied citizens do their part. They serve.”

The ceremony concluded with an address from World War II veteran Bill Parker, recognition of the 1945 VJ Day participants, and a sunset rendition of Taps.