Solitary Salute: WWII Vet Honors V-E Day

94-year-old veteran Frank Riesinger usually helps organize and attends large ceremonies marking World War II victories, but this year COVID-19 restrictions resulted in a solo salute honoring V-E Day. KJRH's Chris DiMaria reports.

BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (KJRH/NBC News) — May 8th marked 75 years since World War II ended in Europe. It’s one of the most important days of the year for our oldest veterans, but one Oklahoma vet who wanted to pay tribute couldn’t get anyone together to do so.

Frank Riesinger has organized V-J Day celebrations every August to recognize the end of the war in the pacific, so party planning wasn’t an issue. The problem was, with all the restrictions caused by coronavirus, he couldn’t get any of his buddies together to commemorate V-E Day.

The 94-year-old WWII veteran, never discouraged, suited up in his original uniform, and paid tribute at Broken Arrow’s Veteran’s Park by himself.

“Those of us who remember – most of us are gone. So few of us still living to remember World War II,“ Riesinger said. “We should have a celebration here!“

So, with the same pride in his country he’s always had, Riesinger saluted the flag and the memorials around the park, and took a stroll to remember those who paid the ultimate price.

Read more here.