Reflections on World War 2
Perhaps it is because I was so young and impressionable that I remember this so vividly.
In 1939 and 1940, the news broadcasts told of the war raging in Europe. Every American that owned a radio came to know the voice of Edward R. Murrow as he broadcast The World Today. As the war escalated in Europe, ominous signs of our country becoming involved were evident.
In 1940, the Selective Service Act was passed and all males between and 35 were required to register for the draft. As our country began to build its Armed Forces, patriotism began to mount. Rationing came into effect. Gasoline, tires, batteries, sugar, butter, meats and shoes were among the items that were available only if you had the money and a government issued ration coupon with which to buy it.
At school we began buying U. S. Savings Stamps, the lowest denomination ten cent stamps. We also saved metal, aluminum and tinfoil for recycling
December 7, 1941 brought the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor. I can still remember the shock and fear upon hearing that our country was a war. Young men by the thousands volunteered and thousands more were drafted for military duty. Almost every home displayed a service star in the window to honor their loved one who was serving.
Patriotism abounded and it seemed that our country united as one entity for the four years of bitter fighting that destroyed the threats to our freedom and liberty.
Many years later, my husband and I were able to visit Pearl Harbor and stand over the sunken U.S.S. Arizona. Over 1100 men were entombed within the ship that December morning. I shed silent tears for those who died there so that their loved ones could live in peace and safety.
I often wonder if the anti-war demonstrators were to visit that battle site, would their attitudes be any different, or will we have to lose our freedom before they understand that freedom has never been free?
In 1939 and 1940, the news broadcasts told of the war raging in Europe. Every American that owned a radio came to know the voice of Edward R. Murrow as he broadcast The World Today. As the war escalated in Europe, ominous signs of our country becoming involved were evident.
In 1940, the Selective Service Act was passed and all males between and 35 were required to register for the draft. As our country began to build its Armed Forces, patriotism began to mount. Rationing came into effect. Gasoline, tires, batteries, sugar, butter, meats and shoes were among the items that were available only if you had the money and a government issued ration coupon with which to buy it.
At school we began buying U. S. Savings Stamps, the lowest denomination ten cent stamps. We also saved metal, aluminum and tinfoil for recycling
December 7, 1941 brought the Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor. I can still remember the shock and fear upon hearing that our country was a war. Young men by the thousands volunteered and thousands more were drafted for military duty. Almost every home displayed a service star in the window to honor their loved one who was serving.
Patriotism abounded and it seemed that our country united as one entity for the four years of bitter fighting that destroyed the threats to our freedom and liberty.
Many years later, my husband and I were able to visit Pearl Harbor and stand over the sunken U.S.S. Arizona. Over 1100 men were entombed within the ship that December morning. I shed silent tears for those who died there so that their loved ones could live in peace and safety.
I often wonder if the anti-war demonstrators were to visit that battle site, would their attitudes be any different, or will we have to lose our freedom before they understand that freedom has never been free?
