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


Thursday, April 7, 2011

A Discussion of Stars


William and Jack


A DISCUSSION OF STARS

Hey, did you hear
Martin got killed
in a jeep accident
out in San Francisco?

Yeah, I heard.
I can’t believe it.
He was only eighteen—
three years older than us!

I wonder if Mrs. Metcalf’s
going to change his blue star
to gold?

Why wouldn’t she?

Well, it’s not like he died
on some Pacific island
fighting the Japs.

But, he’s still dead.

I guess you’re right.
Dead is dead.

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

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