Oklahoma Group To Commemorate V-J Day With Special Event

August 14, 1945, is known as Victory Over Japan Day or VJ Day marking the end of World War II.

Nearly 80 years later a local group hosts a special event to commemorate the date. Maggie Bond is one of the organizers and she joined the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch to talk about V-J Day and what people can expect from the event.

Photos via WWII Beyond The Call/Marcus Laws and Alfred Eisenstaedt

For anyone who may not know, What is VJ-Day?

"VJ Day is Victory over Japan Day. It marks the official end of World War 2. On August 14, 1945, Japanese forces surrendered which marked the end of the war," said Bond.

Photo Credit: Alfred Eisenstaedt

The original organizer of this event was Frank Reisinger. Can you tell us a little about Frank and how these events started?

"Frank was truly incredible. He enlisted the day after his 18th birthday in the Army Air Corps training to be a B-29 Super-fortress Navigator, and he was slated to be deployed as infantry for the invasion of Japan. Just as he was about to be deployed out, VJ Day occurred and the war ended," said Bond.

"He was in downtown Tulsa waiting for his orders when he heard the resounding cheers of the war’s end and as he would always recount in every story he told you- he distinctly remembered the ticker tape flying all over the city- so thick it was like snow as people cheered in the streets. When he shared his memories it was like he pulled you back in time and you were right there with him. Frank started organizing the VJ Day events back in 2016. He organized every single one of them until his last breath. He got the venues, the donors, the sponsors- he did it all. He gathered the volunteers, performers, Army band, speakers, etc.

Each one was very special. I think every year they got better and better. Frank started organizing the VJ Day events back in 2016. He organized every single one of them until his last breath. He got the venues, the donors, the sponsors- he did it all. He gathered the volunteers, performers, Army band, speakers, etc. Each one was very special. I think every year they got better and better."

Please tell us about this year's event. When and where will it be held?

"This year’s event will be on Saturday, August 10, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center."

Find More info on Facebook Page