CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DESPITE THE WAR

ANNE GREENE here:  

Christmas is a major holiday in the United States, but during World War II, 1941-1945 Christmas had a special meaning. Most families had a loved one serving in the military who could not be home for Christmas. Peace on Earth was no longer just a nice phrase found on Christmas cards, but the number one prayer of Americans everywhere. The Christmas season gave hope that while this year many were away, maybe next year the war would end and missing family members would return home.

On the Home Front, Americans tried to celebrate Christmas. Families dealt with painful separations and lost loved ones which made the holiday agonizing. But those keeping the home front fires burning worked hard at making Christmas merry for the children. 

Before the war, America still recovered from the great depression when money and jobs were scarce. Shoppers had often been limited to window shopping, not having any extra money to purchase gifts. When the war began, war production went into high gear bringing good-paying jobs and additional income. But, there was little to buy as rationing left few goods on the shelves. Metal toys nearly disappeared as did automobiles, radios, bicycles, typewriters, and other goods.

Wartime production priorities restricted the presents children could receive for Christmas. Santa Claus had to tell the kids to lower their expectations. Santa explained that a particular toy had too much steel in it, and that steel was needed for the war. If a child seemed disappointed, Santa told the child that some children living in the countries where the war was fought would have no Christmas. With the shortage of men, Santa was often a woman. 

The song, White Christmas, debuted in 1942. Sung by Bing Crosby the tune became an instant success as its peaceful feeling hit home with those on the home front and those on the battle front. I’ll Be Home for Christmas debuted in 1943. The words touched the hearts of separated loved ones. Both songs are still classics sung at Christmas. 

For the soldiers, sailors and airmen overseas, military necessity and lack of accommodations forced them to have minimal celebrations. Many of the boys serving overseas got the blues. But presents from home cheered them. 

Do you have a Christmas story you’d like to share? Maybe a soldier or someone in your family shared his or her experience. Maybe you have a story of how a child at home felt during those years at Christmas from 1941 to 1945. I’d love to hear your stories. Please leave a comment. 

Leave a comment and one lucky winner will win my WWII book, Angel With Steel Wings. Buy any one or all seven of Anne’s book on http://www.Amazon.com.

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.

 

 

 

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.

SONGS THAT HELPED WIN WWII

ANNE GREENE here: 

During WWII we Americans kept our hopes and spirits high with the new songs that blossomed during those dark years when we were losing the battle to Germany’s Hitler and Japan’s Hirohito. 

World War II was the first conflict to take place in the age when almost ninety percent of American households had radio. Never before had songs been so widely available. Never before had the number of listeners been so high. 

Overseas, American troops had access to radio in all but the most difficult combat situations. Between bouts of combat our troops listened to popular music on Armed Forces Radio. 

The song, They’re Either Too Young or Too Old took a light-hearted look at the men left for the women on the home front while our troops were away fighting the war.

Popular songs like Sentimental Journey, I’ll Be Seeing You, Moonlight Serenade, and I’ll Be Home for Christmas, spoke of women’s longings for loved ones overseas and the troops yearning to be home. Those songs gave society’s blessing that it was okay to miss your man because he fought for the good of all Americans. The many patriotic songs brought smiles to faces and pride to the hearts of Americans on the home front and abroad. 

Some of the more popular was songs were: 

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by the Andrew Sisters – 1941 

Kiss The Boys Goodbye by Frank Loesser 1941 

There’ll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of Dover by Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra. 1942 

Be Careful It’s My Heart by Irving Berlin. 1942 

Comin’ In On A Wing and A Prayer by The Song Spinners 

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra 

Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree With Anyone Else But Me by Stept, Brown, and Tobias – 1942 

GI Jive by Johnny Mercer 

I Don’t Want To Walk Without You by Harry James & His Orchestra 1942  

I’ll Be Seeing You by Bind Crosby 

It’s Been A Long Long Time by Harry James 

I’ll Get By As Long As I Have You by Harry James & His Orchestra 

Praise The Lord and Pass The Ammunition by Frank Loesser 1942

Every Time We Say Goodbye by Cole Porter - 1944

Americans held the same desires as their leaders, and the government counted on popular music to reflect the same war aims that Franklin Delano Roosevelt wanted. Everyone hoped for a quick victory over the Axis, and the songs about a world after the war with the boys coming home met those wishes. 

This unity gave the USA enormous energy that allowed the nation to accomplish far more, at less human cost, than the other major powers in the war. So, during the dark years of the war where almost every citizen lost a loved one, music kept spirits high. 

Have you heard any of these WWII favorites? If so, which is your favorite? 

Leave a comment and one lucky winner will win my WWII book, Angel With Steel Wings. Buy any one or all seven of Anne’s book on http://www.Amazon.com. 

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. Type in Anne Greene. Visit Anne at AnneGreeneAuthor.com. and at @TheAnneGreene.