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.