Year Endings - 1941, 1942, 1943 and 1944 + War Ending in 1945

This posting I thought I'd give you how the different "Year Endings" seemed to the people in Gibbon during the 40's.  Information is from my book, "Gibbon's Secrets", available on Amazon + Barnes & Noble to name a few.  Check information about my book @ http://www.budsbooks.com 


Year Ending - 1941
     A tired and beat-up Father Time was ushering out 1941, and the new 1942 Baby was just around the corner - ready to enter the battle for freedom.  Everyone in this small town of Gibbon couldn't imagine the changes that were in store for them in the coming year.  Time will tell...........
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1941
     In 1940, we were involved in helping our allies in Europe.  Now, in 1941, the United States is totally involved in World War II on two fronts - in the Pacific against Japan, and in the Atlantic against Germany and Italy.  All of our attempts to stay out of the war finally ended with the Japanese attaching Pearl Harbor - followed by Germany and Italy declaring war on the United States.
     It's gratifying that young men and women, from all walks of life across the United States, including our yound people here in Gibbon, volunteered to be a part of the US armed forces.  "Patriotism" is very obvious all over the United States, as seen in the newspaper articles that I have added to this scrapbook.  I, for one, believe it will continue until the war is won.  I am anticipating a surge of support here in Gibbon, on our home front, for all our young men and women in the armed services during 1942 and beyond.  Until this war is won!
    
Year Ending - 1942
     The year of 1942 ended with the Japanese troops making advances on Wake Island, Luzon in the Philippines, and many other locations in the Pacific.  Bud and his friends gathered for one last time in 1942 at Mr. Ross's barn on New Year's Eve Day.  They just sat on the hay in a circle reflecting on the past year.
     All the battles had not been won, all the territory had not been retaken, but the American power and strength was starting to show up, even in this small town of Gibbon.  This power and strength came from all corners of this great land, and even as 1942 was coming to a close, their fears were now being replace with hope!
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1942
     It has been a very painful effort for me to continue pu8tting this time-line of news stories together for my scrapbook, as World War II continues through the year of 1942.  I have reached several very low points, with just a few high points recorded.  I am so proud of all our troops, from the sailors involved in the battles at sea, to our soldiers and marines in the battles on land.  I continue to marvel at their patriotism, and have included them in my nightly prayers.  I will continue to do so until this was is won.

Year Ending - 1943
     The "Five Friends Forever" met for one last time in 1943 in the big red barn, even though Bud now lived on the other side of the tracks.  Donny said, "This is so neat!  We're meeting at Mr. Ross's big red barn, like we always have, in our favorite spot.  It seems like we haven't been able to spend as much time together, and now with another move coming up for you, Bud, it'll be worse."  "I know Donny, but mom and I will be staying here in Gibbon until we sell our house, and we probably won't be moving to Curtis till next fall."  Donny said, "I already miss you so much.  It makes me sad."  Bud, Wally, Duncan and Stanley all pulled closer to Donny as they rested in the hay.  It seemed no one wanted to talk, so they just waited quietly, not wanting to be the first to say something.  Wall couldn't wait any longer so he stood up and said, "Come on you guys, stop mopping around!  Let's go freeze in the park."  Everyone laughed, and Duncan said, "I don't really want to go freeze, but the park sounds like more fun than pouting around here - doin nothing."  They all jumped up, ran down the stairs, and went out in the snow toward the park.  They were dressed warmly for this outside activity, and began frolicking around in the snow, throwing snow balls at each other.  Before you knew it, all five were on their backs in the snow making snow angels.  Donny was laughing and having fun, but stopped long enough to say, "All right, guys.  This is much better, even though I'm beginning to feel the big freeze."  Bud said, "You are a fruitcake Donny, and I'm also beginning to feel the big freeze."  Stanley said, "Me too Bud, let's head for a warmer place where we can get some hot chocolate."  Wally said, "Well, let's move out guys; my body tells me it's also feeling the big freeze."  Duncan agreed, "How about your house Donny, it's now the closest one to the park."  Shy Donny said, "I think that it'll be okay, mom's always telling me you guys can come over to our house anytime."
     The five boys left the park and headed for the warmth of Donny's house, with the sugar-plum thoughts of hot chocolate dancing in their heads.  They knew one thing for sure; no matter what happens in 1944, they would always be the "Five Friends Forever".
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1943
     My scrapbook Time-Line for 194. gives you highlights of the events in both the European and Pacific theaters of World War II.  You will note; the brave men and women in our Allied Forces proved to be very capable in meeting the requirements of their tasks.  We, on the home-front tried our best to support our troops, and to contribute where we could toward the war effort right here in Nebraska.  Many of the sacrifices we made during 1943 have been very minor compared to the sacrifices of our brave men and women scattered around the world.

Year Ending - 1944
     Bud was wondering if Tom and Dale were spending Christmas aboard their ships in the Pacific, hopefully under safe conditions.  He would just have to write them a letter wishing them the very best for 1945.  Maybe the war would come to an end in 1945, and they would be able to come home.  Again, time will tell......
    From Reg's Scrapbook-1944
    The war in the Pacific has been progressing, with the US fleet taking more control on their quest toward Japan.  Many of the islands are now under US control, and b ombing runs to Japan are easier and more organized.
     The war in Europe reaches a fever pitch with the German troops launching a counter-offensive called the "Battle of the Bulge".  This battle involves many of our brave troops, and Christmas 1944, found many of them spending a very cold and fearful Christmas, far away from home.
     Again, it is so important for all of us to pray for our loved ones scattered all over the world, from island in the Pacific to the battlefields in Europe.  I pray specifically for Dale and Tom, and ask for their continued protection.

War Ending - 1945
     From Reg's Scrapbook-1945
     From December 7th 1941 'till September 2nd 1945, which is just short of four years, the United States had been involved in World War II.  This won't be the end; occupation forces will be maintained, help to re-build the nations will be brought about, and the war trials will be held.  Unfortunately, this will not stop all evil in the world.  The United States will do its part to rebuild the nations of the world through aid and support programs but...Unfortunately, this also will be forgotten by the same nations that we helped, and evil will still remain in the world.
     Individual families that experienced World War II in their home towns will remember the sacrifices they went through, and their many contributions toward the war effort.  They will remember the ordinary patriots.
     First, they will always remember the young patriots; Bud, Donny, Wally, Duncan and Stanley, who showed their patriotic zeal in Gibbon.  Next, they will never the Gibbon men that either served in the armed forces, or served here at home; Dale, Tom, Jack, and Bob, and all of the servicemen and women who lost their lives in this greatest of all efforts...... to end World War II and to maintain our freedom.


Is this really the end???????????????????