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


Monday, March 21, 2011

This Close


Isaac


THIS CLOSE

I came this close
to being shot last week.

My neighbor Margie
is sweet on a soldier
from the nearby camp.
Since I work as a delivery boy,
Margie thought I might deliver
a letter for her—would I!

I took off on my bicycle.
The gate in front of camp
was open, so I rode right in.
“Halt!” yelled a sentry.
He ran toward me
with a rifle held chest high!

I nearly crapped myself.

After questioning, I was
permitted to deliver Margie’s letter
and encouraged to bring more!
Today Margie told me that
she and her soldier are getting married!
Ain't that swell!


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

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