There is one front and one battle where everyone in the United States—every man, woman, and child—is in action and will be privileged to remain in action throughout this war. That front is right here at home, in our daily lives and in our daily tasks. Here at home everyone will have the privilege of making whatever self-denial is necessary, not only to supply our fighting men, but to keep the economic structure of our country fortified and secure during the war and after the war.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s radio broadcast to the nation, April 28, 1942


Saturday, April 16, 2011

A Ceremonial Launch



May


A CEREMONIAL LAUNCH

Mrs. Roosevelt came
to launch one
of the ships Dad helped
build at the shipyard.

I’m small, so Dad’s
coworkers pushed me
closer where I could see.
I ended up next to her!

She raised a bottle
of champagne high,
ready to christen the ship
with foam and bubbles.

When Dad saw me so
close, he grabbed me
and lifted me out
of the way of flying glass.

Gosh darn it!
I stood right next to
Mrs. Roosevelt and still
missed the whole thing!


© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Photo courtesy Library of Congress.

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