The Lt. Dick Ryan International Rodeo and Thrill Circus came to visit the Coliseum, a combination rodeo, circus and stunt show. This event, which also included midget and motorbike demonstrations, was planned to bring to the people the real spirit of the old west with action, thrills, cowboys and horses. A portion of the proceeds went towards rehabilitating blinded servicemen.
Lt. Ryan was the United States Army’s rodeo expert, hosting several rodeos to entertain the troops during World War II. For this event, he hired the widow of a fighter pilot, Marjorie Bong, to serve as “Queen of the Rodeo”, however, the real star of the show was a horse named Hatsushimo. Before a crowd of 32,025, Hatsushimo, the universal symbol of freedom, paraded through the stadium to the delight of all in attendance.
In honor of National Army Day, which is celebrated in the U.S. on April 6, we thank and honor our troops for their service & sacrifice.