On Dec. 8, 1941, the Japanese attacked Wake Island, an atoll in the central Pacific Ocean utilized by American forces as a defensive outpost. U.S. Navy planners determined the location proved ideal for a garrison, and construction began in January of 1941.
Although construction remained unfinished, an estimated 1500 to 1600 Americans were living on Wake Island at the time of the attack in December. Being short of military personnel and supplies to adequately defend the island, Americans were unable to keep the enemy at bay, and the Japanese attack continued through December 23rd when our Americans stationed on Wake Island finally surrendered. After their surrender, no attempt was made to retake control of the island during the war. Instead, our Navy isolated the Japanese and cut off their supply chain. The Japanese finally surrendered the island following the country’s defeat in September of 1945. However, Wake Island inspires us due to the courageous acts of our Americans a mere three days into the initial attack.
On Dec. 11, 1941, three days after the initial attack, the Japanese attempted to overtake the island. Our troops and civilian workers fought them back, sinking multiple Japanese destroyers and damaging other vessels. As a result, the Japanese retreated, sustaining their first tactical defeat of the war. That defeat by our troops and civilians sparked hope among Americans at a time of deep grief, fear, and hopelessness following the attack on Pearl Harbor three days earlier. That hope, in turn, ignited the fight in Americans, offering a turning point and ultimately helping to win World War II.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Wake Island attack and fight. In recognition of our Americans’ fight and victory that fateful day, the Bristow VFW Post 3656 and VFW Auxiliary plan to host a special memorial service this December 11th at the Wake Island Memorial. This past weekend, however, a motorcycle club out of Oklahoma City, the Storm Riders, made an effort to honor those Americans.
Members of the Storm Riders rode to our VFW Post 3656 and Wake Island Memorial on Saturday, September 25th, to honor those who bravely fought back the Japanese on Wake Island. They arrived around 11 a.m., where they were greeted by VFW and Auxiliary members. Those present visited, shared stories, and toured the memorial. At noon, the group shared a potluck-style lunch provided by auxiliary and post members. The meal consisted of ham, scalloped potatoes, potato salad, Jell-O salads, rolls, a tossed salad, and a variety of desserts: lemon pie, coconut cream pie, sweet potato pie, strawberry cake, peach cobbler, and strawberry delight. Following the dinner, attendees walked to the memorial to hold the ceremony.
The ceremony, “The Fall of Wake Island 80th Anniversary,” began at 12:30 and opened with the national anthem. VFW Commander Scott Thompson welcomed attendees, and Danny Thomas of the Storm Riders gave the invocation. Following the invocation, Storm Riders members Chris Franklin and Buddy Graben presented the wreath in memoriam. All attendees shared a moment of silence and taps played immediately prior to the ceremony’s end.
VFW Auxiliary President Letha Caudle shared details and the names of those present for the ceremony. On behalf of the VFW Post and Auxiliary, Scott Thompson, Marvin Watson, Joe and Norma Carman, Robert Leach, David and Virginia Ray, Daniel and Maria Harris, Daniel Harris, Jr., Lowell Baker, Ruth Jaytanie, Maurice Powell, Joey Gasperini, and Letha Caudle attended. Representing the Oklahoma City area Storm Riders, Danny and Nola Thomas, Chris Franklin, Cory Stephens, Wayne and Diane Loser, George Wulfekotte, Jon and Carolyn Crilly, Buddy and Cindy Graben, Glenn Jackson, Tim Martin, Carolyn Coulter, and Pamela Givens attended.