December 7th, 1942, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by Japan early Sunday morning. This was the start of WWII. I was 3 years old.
Here on the mainland (the states) we were afraid of being bombed by planes coming over Canada at night. There was no radar, no GPS, no other warning systems like the ones we have today. The U.S. had people along the Canadian boarder watching the sky at night. However, that would give us just an hour or two warning of an oncoming attack. Also, we did not have TV or cellphones- just party lines where you could hear what your neighbor was talking about.
Black outs were set up to keep the enemy from spotting cities and towns at night by their lights. One hour before dark ALL stores, factories, gas stations and all offices were closed and the lights were out. Everyone was to be home with their windows closed and blinds down so no light could be seen. All street lights, stop lights, rail road crossing lights, the Court House lights, even the Lake City Bank clocks had to be out. No cars, trucks, or trains were allowed to be moving and all roads, highways and rail road lines were not to be used.
So, we sat at home with the radio on, playing cards by candle light. The two small hospitals in Warsaw were open, but with the blinds closed. No emergency vehicles were available. If you got sick at night, you had to wait until the morning. No firetrucks or policemen were available as well.
It’s hard to believe, but that’s what happened. It might not seem too bad for a few nights, but this lasted a long time. Can you think what Chicago looked like in the dark? It was like being quarantined, only in the dark. There were actually people who walked the streets at night. If they saw any light at all coming from your home, they would knock on your door!
We soon had what was called Food and Gas Stamps. You could only buy so much food and so much gas per capita a month.
So, what’s the point of all of this? Yes, people had rights and we did what was right for the good of your families, our communities and our nation.
Let’s work together during this unprecedented time for the good of ALL Americans! And, yes, I wear a mask!
