War's end remembered - Branson man witnessed signing that ceased WWII
Friday, September 3, 2010 By Mindy Honey Society Editor
Branson resident Wilbur “Bill” Steele remembers what it was like 65 years ago, the day Japan formally surrendered, ending World War II.
Steele, a 2nd class motor machinist mate, was aboard the USS McClelland DE-750, which was pulled up next to USS Missouri during the signing.
“I had probably a better view than the camera men,” Steele said on Thursday morning, standing inside the Veterans Memorial Museum.
He said while many of his shipmates were playing games and relaxing, he made an effort to try to see the signing.
“I realized it was historic,” he said.
While it was a historic day for the world, for Steele, “It meant I got to go home.”
Sixty-five years after Steele witnessed the signing, he re-watched it again on video at the veterans museum. The Branson Veterans Task Force held a short ceremony commemorating the formal surrender.
“I came to watch the video,” the 84-year-old veteran said.
He wanted to see if he could see his ship in the video.
“It brought back a lot of memories, of course,” Steele said.
Upcoming Branson Veterans Task Force events include Branson Remembers 9/11 on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Branson Landing. On Sept. 18, there will be a POW-MIA Day Silent March in downtown Branson. Veterans Homecoming Week is set for Nov. 5-11.
Branson resident Wilbur “Bill” Steele remembers what it was like 65 years ago, the day Japan formally surrendered, ending World War II.
Steele, a 2nd class motor machinist mate, was aboard the USS McClelland DE-750, which was pulled up next to USS Missouri during the signing.
“I had probably a better view than the camera men,” Steele said on Thursday morning, standing inside the Veterans Memorial Museum.
He said while many of his shipmates were playing games and relaxing, he made an effort to try to see the signing.
“I realized it was historic,” he said.
While it was a historic day for the world, for Steele, “It meant I got to go home.”
Sixty-five years after Steele witnessed the signing, he re-watched it again on video at the veterans museum. The Branson Veterans Task Force held a short ceremony commemorating the formal surrender.
“I came to watch the video,” the 84-year-old veteran said.
He wanted to see if he could see his ship in the video.
“It brought back a lot of memories, of course,” Steele said.
Upcoming Branson Veterans Task Force events include Branson Remembers 9/11 on Saturday, Sept. 11, at Branson Landing. On Sept. 18, there will be a POW-MIA Day Silent March in downtown Branson. Veterans Homecoming Week is set for Nov. 5-11.
Labels: Branson, heroes, veteran story, WWII
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