It Will Be A Red White And Blue Weekend In Guymon

Guymon is urged to show its true colors by turning out in red, white and blue on Saturday, Aug. 13, to honor the veterans who will be visiting Guymon for the World War II Victory Day celebration.

“Let’s decorate the town in patriotic colors. Fly your flags. Wear red, white and blue. Decorate with your patriotic bunting. Put welcome messages on your signs,” said Jada Breeden, executive director of the Guymon Chamber of Commerce and volunteer on the committee organizing the Victory Day events. “And most importantly, line the streets along the parade route to show our support for the World War II veterans who will be riding in World War II jeeps and convertibles in the parade.”

The Lions Club Victory Day Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at Guymon High School, travels south down Main St./Hwy 64 to Fourth St. (Texas County Courthouse), west on Fourth St. to Quinn St., north on Quinn St. to Fifth St., west on Fifth St. and follows until Sunset Lane and the Texas County Activity Center.

To date 41 World War II veterans from the area have signed up to attend events, according to Roy Ehly, event chairman and a World War II veteran himself.

“We are recognizing the veterans on Aug. 13 and 14; the time 66 years ago when the first surrender announcements were made,” said Ehly, who viewed the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender as his infantry flew in a landing craft near the USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945.

Guymon’s World War II Victory Day celebration begins on Saturday at 8 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony conducted by Guymon Boy Scout Troop 161 at Texas County Courthouse, 319 N. Main Street.

At 8:30 a.m. those participating in the parade will meet at the Guymon High School parking lot, 2002 N. James. Transportation will be provided by the Church of Christ for spouses and caregivers to Clark Auto Ranch, 524 N. Main St. where they will be given the VIP treatment while viewing the 9:30 a.m. parade.

At 11 a.m. veterans and guests will meet at Draper Headquarters for lunch.

At 2 p.m. again at Guymon High School, the 77^th Army Band will present a concert. The concert is free to the public with first come first seated. Reserved seating will be for the WWII veterans, their families and guests. Doors to the concert will open at 1:30 p.m. for the public.

Also at 2 p.m. at Guymon High School a static World War II display will be presented by Chet Krone and Art Hatfield of Guymon.

The celebration will continue on Sunday morning as several Guymon churches recognize World War II veterans during their individual services.

The Guymon event is for any World War II veteran from Texas County and the surrounding area or with ties to the area. For more information or to have a veteran added to the list call the Guymon Chamber of Commerce. The phone number is 580-338-3376.

Activities are free to World War II veterans thanks to the support of many volunteers and organizations including American Legion, Panhandle Lions Club, Guymon Lions Club, VFW, Oklahoma Historical Society, City of Guymon, Guymon School Board of Education, Guymon Convention and Visitors Bureau, Seaboard Foods, Guymon Chamber of Commerce, Epic PCS and Epic Touch.