On Monday, Dec. 2, Bristow Post 3656 Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary President Ruth JayTanie with members Virginia Ray and Margaret Foster received an official “Wake Island Memorial Day” proclamation from Mayor Kris Wyatt and on behalf of the City of Bristow. The proclamation declared that the city would set aside Saturday, Dec. 7, as a day in memoriam and honor of all those who fought and died during the Battle of Wake Island.
The Battle of Wake Island was fought in the Pacific Theatre of World War II from December 8 through Dec. 23, 1941. During the battle, a multitude of military servicemen and civilians were killed, wounded, and taken hostage as well as military vessels and aircraft, equipment, and supplies were lost. The Wake Island Memorial in Bristow, which is located adjacent to Lake Massena and on the grounds of the VFW Post, is the only memorial dedicated to the Battle of Wake Island in the contiguous 48 states.
VFW Auxiliary members sought a proclamation from the city as a unique means to command awareness of the significance of the battle and memorial, the roles and sacrifices of veterans and civilians during the Battle of Wake Island and times of war, and the importance of preserving history, to educate the public about the Battle of Wake Island, and to garner support for the memorial.
From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, VFW Auxiliary members played a documentary about the Battle of Wake Island, hosted a bake sale, and offered related activities for children at the Wake Island Memorial. Mayor Kris Wyatt attended, but public participation and attendance was reportedly minimal. Lack of participation may have been due to many other holiday events occurring around the community throughout the day.
For more information, visit the Wake Island Memorial or check out resources at the Bristow Public Library. Books available at the library were donated by Bristow’s VFW Auxiliary.