Our Annual Coming Home Celebration
Arma Kansas VJ-Homecoming
Benjamin Franklin Smith United States Flag Bearer (id via:Patricia Smith Wright)
Arma’s V-J Homecoming which began in 1946 as a celebration started as a way to honor veterans returning from World War II. It has evolved over the last five decades into a family festival.
V-J Day was August 15, 1945, the day the victory over Japan was celebrated by the Allied nations. In early August, the United States unleashed the secret weapon - the atom bomb- and devastated the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Rumors of peace began to circulate but many Americans feared that a final battle with Japan was inevitable.
However, on the evening of August 14, the rumors were confirmed: Japan’s army agreed to lay down its arms and throughout the Pacific guns fell silent. There was a sense of collective relief when the impending invasion of Japan was unexpectedly cancelled by the advent of the atomic age.
On September 2, 1945, on the deck of the battleship USS Missouri, the Japanese finally signed the official surrender document. Americans commemorated the official end of World War II with the first observance of V-J Day - “Victory Over Japan”.
That Labor Day weekend marked the end of almost four years of devastation, loss and sacrifice for the nation. More than 300,000 Americans in the armed serviced died in Europe and the Pacific arenas.
The very next year (1946) the Arma V- J Homecoming Celebration was organized by the local post of the American Legion in celebration of the end of World War II. Later the Homecoming Association was organized, which is comprised of officers and committees of individuals. It has grown from a one-day affair to a three-day event that is combined with the annual high school alumni reunion for a full weekend of fun and activities.
Traditional Events of
Arma Family Celebrations
Annual Parade
Through a Parade of floats, antique and classic cars, along with decorated bicycles, pets, and other novelties, the community competes to win cash prizes.
Contests
From rolling pin throwing, to turtle races; nothing compares to the family fun and interaction of the contests throughout the weekend event.
Bed Derby
It is our dreamers that build and compete for the wins of tomorrow! Show your support for your favorite Bed Race Team! Through racing and best presentation votes, various cash prizes are waiting to be claimed!
Community Dance
Musical Performers, are always present to join us in our annual celebrations with signing, dancing, and enjoyable entertainment.
Mud Vollyball
Safety goggles, multiple changes of clothes, and all the sneakers you own? Yes, it is everything you are thinking it is! If you don't mind the mess, then join the fun and dress appropriately.
Junior Bathing Beauty
Trophies awarded for top 3 boys and top 3 girls in these age divisions: 6 to 11 months, 1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old. This tradtion is still going strong!
Operations
Event Management
JoEllen Black
CoordinatorMain contact and handles event coordination, along with event planning.