War was horrifying

War was horrifying

Itha Mortensen

(Living History Project)

I was about 30 the war started. Many of our nephews were in the Army and Navy and many saw action overseas. My husband and my brothers were deferred because of occupations or age.

I can’t remember where I was when I heard that Pearl Harbor was bombed. The possibility of war was horrifying.

All who served in my family were young, draft age. They served in Europe, Austria, Iceland ect. They served several years, at least one to five years.

When boys were called to serve in the military there was a going away evening held at the school to wish them well and give them a good send off.

There was many patriotic efforts going on to help cheer people here at home. The High School music teacher, Newell Wright , organized a chorus of married woman of all ages, about 50 members. We learned patriotic songs, fun songs and gave concerts here, in Cedar City and St. George. We had uniform dresses, blue with white and red accents and were happy to help entertain others.

For us the war though sad and scary gave us money. Because of need for construction workers to build housing for defense workers our income was beyond the $30 -$45 or $90-$100 per month, and we were able to start a new home.

Ration stamps were necessary to fairly distribute food. Many would hoard items that others would need, so stamps would even things out. Items that were rationed was gas, sugar, nylon stockings, and many other things.

War is never good. Knowing of many who gave their lives brought much sadness and pain to families in our town. We should do all we can to keep peace at home and in our communities. If the whole world would do this it would end all wars.

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