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


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Selective Service

Parker


SELECTIVE SERVICE

After Pearl Harbor
the Selective Service Act
was quickly revised.

Men ages 18 to 65
had to register. Eighteen?
My cousin, Ted.
Sixty-five?
Both my Grampas!

Ted joined up before
he could be drafted

My brother, at 16,
was safe. But before
we knew it, it was 1943.

Ed turned 18, and by
that time, the rules
had changed again.
Eighteen was draft age.

Off to war he went.

Guess what? Draftable
is anyone up to age 45.
Dad's turned 44--he's
not out of the woods yet.

And, me?
I just turned 17.


© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved. Article clipping from the Racine Journal Times, May 12, 1944.

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