Yalobusha Historical Society – Sept. 18, 2014
Toney Lute talks about the Japanese flag that Betty Miller’s brother, Howard Rounsaville, brought home from World War II as a souvenir.
The Good Luck Flag known as hinomaru yosegaki in the Japanese language was a traditional gift for Japanese servicemen deployed during the military campaigns of the Empire of Japan, though most notably during World War II. The flag given to a soldier was a national flag signed by friends and family, often with short messages wishing the soldier victory, safety, and good luck. Japanese soldiers would carry the flag folded inside their shirts. Almost every Japanese soldier captured or killed had a silk cloth with an emblem and signatures. Soldiers returning home made duplicates of the Good Luck Flag for souvenirs.
However, Howard Rounsaville’s flag was made in Japanese occupied Korea by Koreans. Members of Howard’s 184th Infantry 7th Division moved to Korea to accept the surrender of the Japanese Army in South Korea. Members of the 184th Infantry 7th Division and Koreans signed the Japanese flag Rounsaville brought home to Mississippi.
The Tupelo Veteran’s Museum is located in Tupelo, Mississippi directly behind the Oren Dunn City Museum. Tony Lute, the museum curator has seriously collected items associated with the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War since the 1960’s and is grateful to the many donors who have entrusted him with their treasures. Mr. Lute not only collects but also keeps up with each item and the story behind it. He is very active with the Veterans of the Tupelo and Lee County area. From hosting a weekly breakfast at the local Legion and a special ceremony on Veteran’s Day, Mr. Lute strives to honor those that have served our country and those that have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms and liberties that we can now enjoy. Tony Lute can be contacted at 689 Rutherford Road, P. O. Box 7212, Tupelo, MS 38891, 662-844-1515
Come again, Tony, and tell us the rest of the story.
Notes of interest:
Mike Worsham welcomed members and guests.
Mike Ayers voice a prayer.
Pat Brooks reminded the YHS that Constitution Week is the commemoration of America’s most important document. It is celebrated annually during the week of September 17-23.
Debby Hughes read the monthly financial report.
Mike Worsham explained that the YHS would sponsor a booth on Celebrate the Holidays on Saturday, October 25, 2014. Raffle tickets will be sold on a hundred dollar Walmart Gift Card and a hoop of cheese to be raffled at the November 20, 2014 YHS regular meeting. Money from the sale of the tickets is for the maintenance of the YHS buildings. Print on demand genealogy books will be on display. YHS membership forms will be available.
Julia Fernandez announced that Aaron Bradley Jr. will present a show and tell program featuring his replica of locomotives on October 16, 2014.
Madison Brooks won the garden bag with gardening supplies that was raffled.
Attending: Ruth Perkins, John Perkins, Wyomman Reeves, Sarah Reeves, Cliff Chandler, Annis Ghelson, Helen Coleman, Ron Fleming, Susie Fleming, Julia Fernandez, Curtis Berry, Emma Hovey, Wanda Gaddy, Kathryn French, Ray F. Rodick, Pat Brooks, David French, Bobby Hutchins, Bobbie Hutchins, Betty Miller, Thelma Roberts, Jimmie Pinnix, Francine Pinnix, Carl H. Vick, Kay McCulley, Betty Bryant Stewart, Charlene W. Adams, George (Sonny) Stewart, Joe Gray, Stephanie Gray, John Gray, Mitzy Gray, Jerry Harris, Lee Mize, Elizabeth Keith, James Person, Mike Ayers, Debby Hughes, Opal Wright, Dave Hovey, Gloria Eaker Bennett, Mike Bennett, Sandra Stillman, Mike Worsham, Tony Lute, Joy Tippit.
Submitted by Joy M. Tippit
