Bristow VFW Hopes To Add National Wake Island Memorial To National Registry

Veterans with the Bristow VFW, Chapter 3656, are working to gain support and funding for their Wake Island Memorial.

The memorial has been falling into disrepair.

"When you visit this place you are stirred to emotions of patriotism and pride," said Former U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. Shores tells News on 6he often visits Bristow's Wake Island Memorial, to see his grandfather's name etched in stone.

"My Grandfather's name is right here 'Robert Shores,' Shores pointed out, "My grandfather was a prisoner of war for 4 years following the battle. I always feel moved when I come out here -- it's a special place," Shores said.

The Battle of Wake Island happened back in WWII during Pearl Harbor --- where many Marines, include ones from Oklahoma, fought the Japanese Navy for 16 days. The Americans were greatly outnumbered, but they held off the Japanese for so long, that Japan considers it one of their greatest defeats, and is known as "The Alamo of the Pacific."

"I know there's a lot of names on these walls, and this memorial should not just be relevant to Oklahomans but should be relevant to all Americans," Shores added.

The Bristow VFW is in charge of keeping up all 3 acres of this memorial. The veterans say it's a lot of work, especially with dwindling membership and limited funds.

The memorial in Bristow was built in the 1960s right off Route 66. Now, there are cracks in the pavement, paint is peeling, and the metal is rusting out.

"It's needing some tender love and care -- replacing some of our rounds that are missing, repainting some of this equipment so it can stay here of another 50 to 60 years," said VFW Commander Scott Thompson, "and just a handful of us who can physically do it because a lot of us are older."

"It's all-volunteer and of course when I can get out of my chair, I do the best I can," said 80-year-old VFW member, Daniel Harris Sr.

The VFW is trying to get the memorial on The National War Memorial Registry so they can get federal funding. Until then, they're asking for more volunteers and any donations.

"The values we embrace as Americans -- whether that's freedom and independence like we are celebrating this weekend ---- this is what these men fought and died for, and to have the chance to come out to a memorial like this and maybe give time, money or whatever you can to maintain it --- means a lot,” said Shores.

The VFW veterans made Shores an honorary member of the VFW and says they also want to fundraise to build an addition to the memorial for Shore's grandfather. If you would like to donate, The VFW has a "Wake Island Preservation" account at Bristow's Community Bank.