World War 2 Memorial
World War 2 Memorial
World War 2 Memorial
I was a young child during World War II and have vivid memories of this time. Young as I was, I understood the nation was at war. So called fire drills were held regularly. A bell would ring and teachers would herd students down to the basement of the school, where we crouched and covered our heads with our hands.
Ration stamps were issued and families treated them like gold. Sugar and cream were especially scarce. Fortunately, the grocery store was only two blocks away. I was in charge of the “fat can,” a coffee can filled with fatty food drippings. When the can was full, I walked to the store and gave it to the butcher. This fat, which was collected nationally, was turned into explosives.
World War 2 Memorial
World War 2 Memorial
Our tract house was in Great Neck, Long Island, and my father was the air raid warden for the block. As soon as the warning siren sounded, blackout shades were drawn. My father would make sure that no light — not the merest crack — showed from any house. Drastic as this sounds, years later I learned a German submarine had surfaced in Long Island Sound. The crew defected and, according to rumor, became American citizens.
War photos were published on the front page of our newspaper. One evening I noticed specks of ink on the bottom right of a page. I took the newspaper into the kitchen and showed it to my mother. “Do you think these dots are an enemy code?” I asked. This question shocked my mother and I still see the shock on her face.
World War 2 Memorial
World War 2 Memorial
Every family on our block had a victory garden. The gardens were planted in an open field at the op of the hill. We raised potatoes, carrots, lettuce, beets (not my favorite), and other vegetables. Since meat was scarce, vegetables became an important part of our diet. My mother bought a victory cookbook and today, it’s on my cookbook shelf.
We, and most of my friends, had a deck of aircraft spotter cards. The cards were supposed to teach us how to spot enemy planes. Model kits of planes were also available. My brother built many models and hung them from his bedroom ceiling. After supper we played Kick the Can and war games. I was one of the youngest kids on the block, so I was always an enemy soldier, a role I didn’t want.
World War 2 Memorial
World War 2 Memorial
One quiet young man, who lived across the street from us, was drafted into the army. Two years later, when he returned home, he was a changed person. “He’s shell-shocked,” my mother explained, “and he’s never been the same.” We rejoiced when peace was finally declared. The fire siren sounded, church bells rang, and neighbors rushed out into the street and hugged each other.
These memories taught me some important lessons. One, sometimes war is necessary and you have to defend yourself. Two, we should try to keep the peace. On this Memorial Day, I thank all of the soldiers in all of the wars who gave their lives for freedom. Because of childhood memories, I don’t take freedom for granted.
World War 2 Memorial
World War 2 Memorial
Copyright 2011 by Harriet Hodgson
By Harriet Hodgson
Article Source: ezinearticles.com