Show will celebrate victory over Japan

Published 6:34 pm Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Time is running to purchase tickets for a celebration that will salute the World War II surrender of Japan — “V-J Day Remembered.” A cast of 100 local singers, dancers and actors will honor V-J Day at 2 p.m. Aug. 21 with a musical variety show at the Athens Senior Center.

Actors will take the stage with some 27 acts, skits and live performances to benefit the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives.

Organizers said while the mood on this 71st anniversary of the surrender will be jubilant, there will also be some poignant moments as loved ones on the home front learn the sad fate of servicemen overseas.

Jerry Barksdale, local attorney and author of many veterans’ stories, will portray the character of Dr. Henry Alonzo Darby, a well-known Limestone County doctor during the war years.

Darby’s Daughter, who works for the American Red Cross, had the grim mission to inform the parents of Lakin Garth that the young Marine was killed by a sniper’s bullet on Okinawa at the age of 19.

Authentic letters will also be narrated on the fate of Winston Garth and Deck Dunnavant about their confinement as prisoners of war.

The lineup of entertainment includes, in part, music of the 1940s, such as “Sentimental Journey” and “Apple Blossom Time.”

The show includes a rousing rendition of “Yankee Doodle” and “Onward Christian Soldiers” as well as an NCO Show with Bob Hope. Ray Steelman will play the harmonica and Tee Jackson will give the famous Gen. George S. Patton speech.

The show is written and directed by Jack Greenhaw and co-directed by Jackie Jackson. “All 100 performers are extremely talented,” Jackson said.

“Similar to Poke Sallet Follies, everyone is responsible for their own costumes,” said Jackson. “They have put in countless hours rehearsing.

Veterans of all five military branches will be recognized as a special tribute.

A painting of the U.S.S. Missouri, the historic battleship where the Japanese formally surrendered, serves as the backdrop. The battleship painted by local artists Karen Middleton and Susan Evans took approximately two weeks to complete. “The surrender was a momentous occasion after four years of suffering on all sides,” Middleton said. “It brought such an horrendous war to a close.”

Jackson said none of the show would be possible without Chris Newman and his technical crew. “They are wonderful and we certainly couldn’t do it without them,” she said.

Tickets to the show are available for $10, but are very limited. Fewer than 50 tickets remain and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tickets are on sale at the museum or the Athens Senior Center.

While purchasing a ticket, attendees can also purchase a chance to win an original painting of the famous Times Square Kiss by Middleton. The painting is currently at the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives at 100 W. Pryor Street in Athens.  It will be given away at the show. Like the famous photo, the painting depicts an American solider kissing a young nurse Aug. 14, 1945, after President Truman announced the end of World War II.