KCK Public Library to commemorate World War II with series of events

Dec. 7, 2016, will mark the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the beginning of the United States’ involvement in World War II.

To commemorate the anniversary, the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library is holding a series of events and exhibits, culminating with the main event, a 1940s Canteen Dance and Concert.

Two speakers will present individual viewpoints on the war. On Nov. 9, Kansas City author Dorinda Nicholson will speak at the Main Library, 625 Minnesota, about her childhood experience of witnessing the attack on Pearl Harbor. Her house was only a few hundred yards from Battleship Row, where the attack was centered. Her book, Pearl Harbor Child, explores these events through the eyes of a child.

On Nov. 15, retired Marine Staff Sgt. Max Deweese will share his experiences during World War II at West Wyandotte Library, 1737 N. 82nd. Staff Sgt. Deweese was part of the first wave of Marines to hit the beach at the Battle of Guadalcanal in August of 1942. The battle was the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan.

There will also be two exhibits at the West Wyandotte Library through the month of December. Retired engineer and amateur watercolorist Kermit Dyer’s passion is painting World War II military aircraft. His collection, Wings of Freedom, will be displayed in the gallery. Items and photographs from World War II will be on loan from community members and the Wyandotte County Historical Museum. They will be exhibited in the display cases in the lobby and gallery.

The culminating event of the World War II series will be the 1940s Canteen Dance and Concert featuring The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra on Dec. 3 at West Wyandotte Library. The event is inspired by the canteen dances held by the USO during World War II. Space on the first floor of West Wyandotte will be cleared for dancing and there will also be areas for those who prefer to just listen to the music. Attendees are encouraged (though not required) to come in their best 1940s or military attire. The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

All events are free and open to the public. More information about the World War II event series can be found on the library’s website at kckpl.org.

From Kim Woolery, public relations, Kansas City, Kan., Public Library