Saturday, November 14, 2015

STILL WE GAVE THANKS DURING WORLD WAR II AND BOOK GIVE AWAY


ANNE GREENE HERE: Soon our nation will celebrate another Thanksgiving as a free America. But during World War II, our nation fought to the death for that freedom. Still, at home and on the battlefield, we Americans gave thanks.

God’s help to us has been great in this year of marching towards world-wide
liberty, President Roosevelt said in his 1943 Thanksgiving speech to the nation. In brotherhood with warriors of other United Nations our gallant men have won victories, have freed our homes from fear, have made tyranny tremble, and have laid the foundation for freedom of life in a world which will be free.

Roosevelt continued, May we on Thanksgiving Day and on every day express our gratitude and zealously devote ourselves to our duties as individuals and as a nation. May each of us dedicate his utmost efforts to speeding the victory which will bring new opportunities for peace and brotherhood among men.

Americans cherish our Thanksgiving Holliday. Roosevelt decided to provide a
turkey dinner for all troops. To accomplish this, the fresh meat ration had to be cut. A holiday-sized portion equaled three normal meat meals. Nevertheless Roosevelt committed himself to provide turkey to all the troops on the continent to raise their morale. By Thanksgiving, stuffing, fresh fruit, vegetables, white bread, cranberry sauce, and over one and half tons of turkey were distributed to the troops. Roosevelt didn’t forget the pumpkin pies. Mobile bakery trucks helped deliver the meal. Some combat troops did not receive the special ration until one or two days after Thanksgiving, but Americans pulled-off a great feat to raise the troop morale and help with homesickness.

Military Thanksgiving dinners were far different from the usual precooked C- or K-rations. As the men all lived on rations, the soldiers hadn’t seen so much food since the war began. The food arrived on fully loaded liberty ships in time for their Thanksgiving Day celebrations.

On the Home Front, people decided Thanksgiving was worth preserving, even during these times of rationing. Magazines and pamphlets encouraged homemakers to create pies using molasses, to stretch meat rations, and to do other imaginative things to create a feast while the nation was at war.

Food was in short supply because much canned food was reserved for overseas to our military and our allies. Transportation of fresh food was limited due to gasoline and tire rationing and the priority of transporting soldiers and war supplies instead of food. Imported items, like coffee and sugar, were limited due to restrictions on importing.

Many families missed parents and siblings who were overseas fighting. Items like the Thanksgiving turkey were nearly impossible to find. Even a tradition as simple as a football game was suspended.

November 23, 1945 wartime rationing of most foods ended. But people at home retained a strong memory of rubber, metal, clothing, and other materials that were rationed. Plus shortages of most types of food affected everyone on a daily basis.

This Thanksgiving, when you think about what you are thankful for, consider the soldiers and families that sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our war efforts.

What would you miss most about Thanksgiving dinner if America were once again in a world war? Remember, if family didn’t live in the vicinity, they could not visit unless they saved their gas rations.

Leave a comment and one lucky person will win my WWII book about women test pilots, Angel With Steel Wings.

Ace Collins, bestselling author of numerous books, including the WW II series, In the President’s Service, says of ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS:


A story of a woman in a man’s domain set against the dynamics of World War II is a can’t-miss scenario. Angel With Steel Wings paints a vivid picture of courageous pilots facing death in the air while struggling with love on the ground, and wraps it up in a unique twist that will challenge all you knew about the “Greatest Generation.” Steeped in history and framed by faith, this is a tale that takes readers into a world now all but forgotten, and lands in a place that touches the heart in a special way. To know how far we have come, we must understand where we started, and Angels With Steel Wings takes us back on a thrilling trip in time that informs as it entertains. I think this is one flight you won’t want to miss.

ANNE GREENE delights in writing about alpha heroes who aren’t afraid to fall on their knees in prayer, and about gutsy heroines. Her novellas, A CHRISTMAS BELLE, and A GROOM FOR CHRISTMAS are now available. Her Women of Courage Series spotlights heroic women of World War II, with the first book ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS available. Enjoy her private investigating series, Handcuffed In Texas by reading the first book, Holly Garden, PI, RED IS FOR ROOKIE. Try her award-winning Scottish historical romances, MASQUERADE MARRIAGE and MARRIAE BY ARRANGEMENT. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to an awesome new world and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus. Buy Anne’s books on http://www.Amazon.com.




7 comments:

  1. Very thoughtful of President Roosevelt and showed great appreciation to our troops. Thanks for the post. sm wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. I am reading this with the Saturday morning newscast in the background and the entire coverage is about the terrible tragedy in Paris. This morning, over 100 people will no longer spend Thanksgiving with their families This is what I would miss the most. If we were faced with gas rationing again, some of our family wouldn't be with us.
    Thank you for this thought-provoking post. I hope you can spend it with all of your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
    Connie
    cps1950 (at)gmail (dot)com

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  3. We are living in difficult times with so many bad things occurring. Let us remember those that have lost love ones, those that have loved ones over seas facing the unknown. This Thanksgiving, let us be thankful for our freedoms, our safety, and for God who is with us very step of the way through this life on earth.

    Thank you for this great post.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  4. Let us remember all the troops that have kept us safe through out the years. kamundsen44ATyahooDOTcom.

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  5. Wonderful post, Anne! It brought to mind Ephesians 5:20, "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;". I am so very thankful for the times when we can gather together with our loved ones and enjoy the many blessings we have been given. My heart aches for all those who are unable to enjoy such moments.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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  6. As a young girl I remember Thanksgiving as a special time during those war years. We said a special prayer for family members serving in the Army and Navy. My paternal grandmother made the best pecan pie and now I make it every year. My maternal grandmother's specialty was cornbread dressing and it too is a staple at our dinners today.

    The tragedy in Paris reminds us that evil is everywhere. My heart breaks for the families suffering loss and injury. May we all give thanks this season for a God who is still in control and will have ultimate victory.

    Thank you for reminding us of the great sacrifices made then.

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  7. Kim amundsen won an autographed copy of Angel With Steel Wings. Kim please send me your snail mail address. Sorry to be so late this month.

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