USO dance in Edmond marks World War II's end
Festivities highlight authentic songs, styles that proved popular in 1945.

EDMOND To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Edmond Historical Society will host a United Service Organizations dance from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday at the Edmond Historical Society and Museum, 431 S Boulevard.

Edmond Historical Society Executive Director Stuart Howard said the evening will be about as authentic as it can get.

In addition to traditional USO food and drinks, the event will revisit history through the sounds of the Floyd Rice Band, an 11-piece swing band.

Whether it's the Lindy or the Bebop, bodies are sure to be flying on the dance floor, he said.

Harold Stump, 89, a volunteer at the historical society, said he won't be cutting the rug this year (he's had two hip surgeries, and the last one left him a little clumsy), but he's quick to share a few war stories.

"I was drafted in 1941, right after I graduated (from college). I knew nothing about the military, he said. "I was a dummy as far as the military was concerned. I was here getting my degree. I wasn't interested in what the military did.

Stump served three and a half years in the Pacific with the Air Force's 7th Fighter Command, 45th Fighter Squadron.

Stump returned home and resigned from the Air Force.

"Three and a half years in the Pacific was enough, he said. "When Truman dropped that first bomb, I decided I wasn't going to Japan.

When the Korean War began, Stump joined the Army Reserves. He retired from the military a warrant officer, and in 1991 he began volunteering at the historical society.

"With all my time in the military, this is a cinch, he said of his one-day-a-week job. "My wife volunteered me so she could work on our genealogy.

Although Stump won't be sharing his stories Friday, special veteran commentary will be provided by William R. VanOsdol, Jack R. Myers and Anthony Rosetano.

A book signing will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for VanOsdol, author of "Famous Faces of World War II: A Generation of Patriots and "From Whence They Fell.

Myers also will autograph his book, "Shot At and Missed.

Howard said those attending are invited to dress in period costumes. Door prizes will given in several categories, including best costume, oldest veteran and best dancer.

"I hope the Greatest Generation comes out and shows us youngsters what dancing is all about, Howard said.

Cost of the dance is $25. Military personnel who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom will be admitted free. For more information, call 340-0078.

Also to mark the anniversary of the end of World War II, Mickey Sherman will present a World War II tribute from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Edmond Library, 10 S Boulevard.

The free come-and-go event will include posters and videos from the war, and Heart and Soul will perform music made famous by the Andrews Sisters.

Schedule

Edmond Historical Society USO Dance, 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Edmond Historical Society and Museum, 431 S Boulevard. Cost: $25

World War II Tribute, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Edmond Library, 10 S Boulevard, free.

Archive ID: 2764594