The Tribute to Van Zandt County World War II veterans held on the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor December 7, 2001, was an evening many will treasure for years to come. Canton Civic Center facilitators estimated more than 1100 in attendance with guests coming in from as far away as Ohio. Some came from Oklahoma and others from San Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas, Waco, and from many towns all around North East Texas.
The civic center was festively decorated and the doors were set to open at 6:30 p.m. but by 5 p.m. the guests had started to arrive. The 17-piece Tyler Big Band entertained the crowd with classic tunes as they found their way to tables and chairs. It soon became clear this was a “standing room only” event and guests were asked to have children double up in seats and many enjoyed a close up view sitting on the floor before the stage.
At 7 p.m. the show, directed by Kelly Thomas, began with a spotlight on an old 40s radio and President Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech broadcasting as young soldiers listened on. Then emcee “Bob Van Zandt Hope,” aka Jerry Tolbert, arrived and continued to entertain the crowd with his jokes and introductions throughout the evening. Darlene Wise took the stage to perform Sentimental Journey and the audience began to enter an era 60 years ago. World War II veteran and Chaplain Tom Fritts led the opening prayer and Boy Scout Troop 378 led the pledge of allegiance. VFW District 30 Honor Guard did the posting of the colors and Tom Fritts led the crowd in singing the National Anthem. The Tyler Big Band then played Moonlight Serenade as background video showed scenes from the 40’s including life on the farm, factories, and the every day life of men, women and children of the day.
Then the “Andrews Sisters,” portrayed by Pam Chadwick, Rhonda Hoffman, and Helen Hester, took the stage and wowed the audience with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.
Next came GI Moments introduced by “Edward R. Murro,” played by Joe Sellers. Joe first introduced an Army soldier, Dodson Harris, portrayed by David Downey. He told of his time in the army and in particular the countless hours in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Dodson could not be present for the event due to illness, but his daughter and grandchildren proudly accepted the salute David offered after his story.
At this time the big band played the Caisson Song and all World War II Army men and women were asked to stand. And stand they did. So proudly.
The big band then got everyone “In the Mood” as they played the still favorite Glenn Miller tune and the crowd enjoyed outstanding jitterbug dancing by Jill McCasland and Brad Stewart.
The next GI story was told by R.J. Norman, who portrayed, Coast Guard soldier John Lee. John’s story included trips far from his farm in Van Zandt County often fighting fires and serving as security for the military. R.J. saluted John, who was at the event with his family, and all WWII Coast Guard soldiers as they were asked to stand for Semper Paratus.
The Tyler Big Band then played Night Train to a back ground video of real WWII veterans as young men in their uniforms.
Guest speaker World War II Veteran and Congressman Ralph Hall then took the stand and impressed all with his heartfelt and funny stories.
Zach Herbert next told the story of a Marine, Ken Oxford. Ken was in many intense campaigns during the war including the Battles of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. He then went on to join the Korean war effort. As Zach saluted Ken, all Marines in the room were asked to stand as the band played The Marine Hymn.
Darlene Wise then graced the stage once more singing an adapted version of Night and Day as performed in 40s USO shows by Dinah Shore—a heartfelt message to let the troops know that “we think of you, night and day.”
Justin Reese portrayed the Army Air Corps veteran, Bob Reese Sr., his grandfather. Bob was a fighter pilot and participated in many dive bombings, strafing and destroying bridges and supply lines. He flew 109 missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Justin saluted his grandfather and all WWII Army Air Corps veterans for their bravery. They stood as the band played Wild Blue Yonder.
The Tyler Big band then played American Patrol as scenes from World War II played on the big screen video.
The Navy man, Arthur “Dee” Ferrell, was portrayed by Jake Thornberry. He told of his services as an electrician and how he helped with convoy ships carrying troops to and from various campaigns. Dee could not be at the event due to illness but he would have been proud as Jake saluted all Navy men and they stood as the band played Anchors Away.
The Tyler Big Band played another jitterbug tune, Leap Frog, as Jill and Brad wooed the crowd with their outstanding dancing.
The District 30 Honor Guard did a 21-gun salute followed by taps. The “Andrews Sisters” led the audience in God Bless America. Chaplain Reg Hoey gave the final prayer for the evening.
As the show came to an end, a single light again reflected on the big 40’s radio where MacArthur’s Victory over Japan speech was heard. The actors took their final bows on stage with a tape of Bob Hope singing Thanks for the Memories.
Many stayed for refreshments, visiting, enjoying the memorabilia display, and dancing to the Tyler Big Band.
The WWII Tribute committee wishes to thank Ronnie Daniell for his superb job of providing and operating the sound system, Larry Philen and the Van High School Journalism students for the background video, and the many volunteers who contributed food and time and talent. They also thank the following sponsors for this great event.
Dairy Palace Restaurant, City of Canton, County Line Magazine, American National Bank/Canton, Winning Strategies, American National Bank/Wills Point, VFW District 30, Eubank Funeral Home, Zacki’s Unique Boutique, Joe & Charlotte Sellers, Modern Builders Supply, VFW Post 9171, VFW Post 6635, VFW Post 7837, American Legion Post 303, W.D. & Beth Whitaker, Edom Civic Theater, Mr. & Mrs. William A. Craven, Fairway Security Store, David Cain, Citizens Lumber Co., Dan & Jackie Stroud, Citizens National Bank/Wills Point, Citizens National Bank/Grand Saline, T.L. James Lumber Co., Mr. & Mrs. B.E. Chaney, Hilltop Storage, Legacy Publications, J&D Fertilizer, Murrey Motor Co. Inc., D. Morris & Julia Brantley, Chiropractic Centers, Inc., Bill Hullum CPA, Wills Point Chevrolet, First State Bank of Ben Wheeler, Ridgeway Allstate/Tyler, Dressin’ Gaudy, First National Bank of Canton, East Texas Twisters Gymnastics, Brookshires/Grand Saline, Jim & Jennifer Wise, Turner & June Brazell, John & Louise Means, Happy Hollow Mobile Homes, Red Door Antiques, Ben & Neva’s Flower Shop, John Crow Pontiac-Buick-GMC, Inc., ARTS for People, and Council for Van Zandt County Communities.
