“An atomic bomb of joy spread over town last evening as the Victory Parade invaded the streets and hearts of a thrilled public,” wrote the Evening Herald of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania in their headline story on September 1, 1945.
“Approximately 20,000 persons viewed the impressive, fascinating demonstration,” the story continued.
On the eve of the formal Japanese surrender to US forces, thousands of people descended on the northern Schuylkill County community for a massive parade marking Allied victory in the Second World War.
Here are some tidbits that the editors of the Herald shared with readers about the parade that brought people and organizations from across the Coal Region:
Sidelights of Parade
To all you service folks from town and vicinity unable to be with us last night: the old hometown did itself proud with the Victory Parade and ensuing festivities. We had the works! Things went off splendidly. In short, it was a real red-letter evening!
The rattle of drums, the blare of bugles, the sounds of shuffling feet, the applause from the spectators reminded one of the old saying, trite but nevertheless true: there is nothing like a parade!
The line of march was viewed by thousands and they trooped to Shenandoah from many outlying points. Gasoline was no barrier to folks living in fairly distant towns as was the case in the past few years.
While they were fairly well spread out, some on motorcycles and others placed at different points along the route to handle the crowds, the facts are that a detail of 11 State troopers were on hand last evening. They were under Lt. Snavely, of Troop C, from the Reading barracks.
Confetti was tossed from high points of vantage, as well as by spectators on pavements at the marchers. It lent sort of a carnival effect to things.
Everywhere they rode, the gallant contingent of elderly Spanish-American War veterans drew hearty applause. They were in two open touring cars and their campaign hats made one’s mind suddenly recall San Juan Hill, Camp Chickamauga and Dewey in Manila Bay.
It never fails, either! Those who saw the parade at one point, immediately ran to another to see the marchers all over again and thrill to the martial music. Yes, we were one of them, too.
Quite a few visiting comrades were noticed with the local Legion delegation. Among the boys from the Robert Woodbury Post, Pottsville, were Harry Koenig, Ellsworth Gregory, who spent his boyhood in Shenandoah; Louis Simmeth and some others. Our own Legionnaires presented a splendid sight.
No question at all concerning the hottest band in the parade! It was that classy outfit from Indiantown Gap, the 333rd Army Service Forces Band, composed of Negroes. They really gave forth in regulation style and the crowds loved their music and were quick to applaud without restraint. Their instruments glittered. And how about the white battle helmets they wore! A truly A-No. 1 unit; why not, they’re Uncle Sam’s lads, you know!
That 40 and 8 “lokie” chalked up another parade on its record book. It has participated in hundreds of parades since its construction and was a welcome sight here last evening. Recall when it took part in the Six-County Firemen’s doings here in ’42?
There were plenty of laughs through the antics of the hula dancer with the Miners Minstrel unit. Well, to let you in on a secret, “she” was none other than Pierce Richards, who had loads of fun running up to sailors viewing the parade, throwing his arms around the bluejacket’s neck and screaming: “Remember me, honey?” Pete Barry was the gent in the tuxedo.
And among the various band numbers we caught were the old favorites: “Marching Through Georgia,” “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, the Boys Are Marching,” “Maryland, My Maryland,” and scores of other familiar numbers.
Did you take notice to that immense amount of “fruit salad” displayed upon the chests of the vets who marched with the Amvets group? The campaign ribbons, bearing battle stars, if laid end to end, would have stretched from the foot of the hill, north of town, up to the Hazleton-Ringtown intersection. Well, darned near that far, anyway!
A poignant reminder was the sign, in the same delegation, which bore the words: “To Our Buddies Who Won’t Come Back.” Think of it, folks, over 85 Gold Stars from the borough and the Heights alone! God grant those heroes eternal peace.
Small fry were intrigued with the Army jeep in the line of march.
A neat marching unit was the Knights of Pythias Women’s Auxiliary.
The other day, Mrs. Mary Severn came into the Herald office with a news item asking her Red Cross unit to report at the headquarters at 6 p. m. At that time, she said she proposed to march the entire parade route even though she is over the three-score and ten. She did all right, finishing up strong, too!
Those two little drum majorettes with St. Edward’s School Band, Shamokin, were cutie-pies. A smart band from the Northumberland County town, how about it?
Another eyeful was the little girls, wearing red, white and blue evening dresses. They came from St. Casimir’s Parochial School.
Later in the evening, in front of the Legion Home, the Army Band from the “Gap” gave a real concert, which drew well over 1,000 appreciative listeners. They played a variety of selections and earned well-warranted “mitt” applause. Later, they serenaded the V.F.W. Home, South Main street, and the Amvets’ quarters, with new crowds forming in each instance.
The service flag carried by St. Michael’s Social Club listed 65 members in the armed forces and one Gold Star.
Chief of Police Maher, a busy man during the evening seeing to this and that, reported “everything perfect” when seen by an Evening Herald reporter at Jardin and Oak streets at 9:15 p. m. The Chief estimated the parade drew a good 20,000, which, of course, includes our own townspeople.
That “jive” orchestra, which rode in the parade on one of the Ratzburg trucks, later gave a concert parked in front of the Amvets’ quarters, Main and Centre streets.
St. Joseph’s Drum and Bugle Corps, of Girardville, again earned deserving plaudits. This organization has often paraded here in the past and seems to improve with age.
We liked the little Brownies, who marched with the Girl Scout contingent. The little girls trudged along bravely, block after block.
Another salute for the best appearing Fire Company marching unit—William Penn Fire Company No. 1! This outfit is one of the best in the whole State. They take prize after prize. They were up to usual high standards last evening. The service flag on one of their trucks noted 199 with six Gold Stars.
That old “tin lizzie” evoked guffaws as it rattled along. At Centre and West streets, the driver had to get out and spin the crank. The motor responded right off the bat, too, and the ancient equipage rolled along. This is owned by Wally Wolsky.
There were many admiring remarks overheard as Lost Creek’s community ambulance travelled over the parade route.
The J. W. Cooper High Band did right well by itself, as usual. Maestro Walter Twardzik wielded the baton with customary skill.
Read more about World War 2 in the Coal Region
A powerful tribute to those lost in World War 2 | Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania
Harold E. Malick | Remembering a veteran of the 101st Airborne in World War II
A Schuylkill County veteran’s memory of V-E Day and liberating a concentration camp in 1945
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Great story. For your info, the mobile Vietnam Wall will be organized tomorrow, 9/1 in Hbg Susquehanna Harley on Rt 22 and travel on Rt 22 to Rt 39 and eventually go by Campelltown America Legion and rest at Campelltown Community Park thru 9/6