WWII kids saluted flag with pride
Editor's note: Another Dec. 7th (Pearl Harbor Day) has come and gone. Has humanity learned anything from war? Probably not based on the state of the world.
As Rio Grande Valley men and women were volunteering to join the war effort — the children also did their part on the home front.
It was because of radio that American children became aware of WWII. Nationwide and locally, children listened on the radio with their parents to Edward R. Murrow broadcasting war news.
At school, children studied current events more often, and geography was given more attention by teachers — thus, students became more knowledgeable and more willing to support the war effort at home.
In Willacy County, at Robert E. Lee Ward School, hundreds of children wanted to support the troops and they did, by buying war stamps. Mrs. W. V. Pittman, princi pal, and her children, were recognized for their efforts.
One way of financing the war was by selling war bonds and it was not just adults that could buy them. Children could also obtain war bonds — by simply getting a booklet and filling it up with ten-cent war stamps. When the book was full, they got a war bond.
The kids from Willacy took a pause from buying candy and used their nickels to purchase “War Stamps.” There were over 300 elementary students who participated in the effort to raise money for “Uncle Sam.”
In one month, the group bought $2,075 worth of stamps, exceeding all school expectations. In a seven-month period, Ona Lou Savage, fifth grader, and Dorothy Thompson, sixth grader, did not miss a week of buying stamps.
The rule was if the school sold 90% of their quota, they would have the privilege of flying the “Minute Man Flag” in front of their school. The children and teachers exceeded the quota by 3% for several months.
During the jeep contest, the Willacy kids again, were more than generous. From March 1 to April 19, a period of over six weeks, the children bought $6, 222 worth of stamps, being enough to buy almost seven military jeeps. The children were also given the “Distinguished Service Award” by the Treasury Department for a scrapbook they compiled that told their story in the war effort.
Other Willacy County groups pitched in
Young girls from Willacy County also did their part in the war effort. The Red Cross was always a place that needed help and the “Order of the Rainbow “met every Saturday afternoon at the Red Cross room to fold bandages and knit throw blankets. And because military libraries and USO houses had a great need for reading materials for our troops — the girls also donated many books during the “Victory Book Drive.”
The Boys Scouts, troops 27 and 52, were eagerly collecting aluminum, scrap iron, and paper. The scouts were also on duty to serve as messengers during blackouts. Mrs. Gene Smith wrote then, “The boys are learning to be good citizens and are taught that it takes as much courage to live for your country as it does to die for it. “
The 16-and 17-year-old boys contributed by joining the Texas State National Guard commended by Lt. Chester A. Peyton. All the boys went through guerrilla military training and got high marks from their commander. Capt. G. W. Wood, commanding officer of Company “B” stated, “These boys are more apt at military training than their elders.”
Of the boys that trained in Willacy County and enlisted in military service, many qiuckly received ranks of sergeants and corporals because of their previous training. Some others were recommended for officer’s training school.
The girls from Raymondville’s High School Home Economic classes sponsored a Red Cross Home Nursing class as a way to get more girls involved. Learning through demonstration was the focus of instruction from Mrs. La Vern Pierce, Red Cross nurse instructor. After several weeks of lessons, the girls were better prepared to continue more in-depth nurse’s training.
In ’42, Olmito Kids had a date with Uncle Sam
James E. Towie, superintendent of Olmito Grade School, made sure that his kids got involved in helping the war effort. It was a Monday routine that he set aside for Stamp Day for approximately 160 children.
It was common for passersby and motorist in this small community to see the kids with a stamp book and their teacher, Mrs. H.O. Stroman, march four blocks to the local post office to buy war defense saving stamps — a custom that began when the war was declared.
Speaking then, Towie said, “I believe in taking the kids to the Post Office and buying the stamps directly from Uncle Sam for it gives them the adult feeling in doing their part for the war effort.”
On the home front…the youth of Rio Grande Valley did their part to preserve and defend democracy and the American flag. And because of their efforts and many others around the country, we defeated the enemy. The children of the Rio Grande Valley demonstrated that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Today, when many speak about rights and few about duties, perhaps we can learn about the latter, if we paid attention to the many patriotic deeds performed by the children of WWII.
Allow me to close with a quote from Arthur Macy, “Cheers for the sailors that fought on the wave for it, Cheers for the soldiers that always were brave for it, Tears for the men that went down to the grave for it. Here comes the flag!”