Today's Blog is a memory of this week in 1941 taken from my book "Gibbon's Secrets" - A Boy's Memories of the 40's.
December 15th 1941, the Gibbon Grade School presented the Christmas program that they had been working on, well ahead of the attack by the Japanese. The kids had been working hard on their program. The school administration felt, in light of the current world situation, that it would be good for the morale of the community for them to go ahead with their performance. The program consisted of several different scenes, starting with singing from the kindergarten group. Bud was proud that his friends were really involved in many of the areas of the program.
Jimmy Lyons, Donny Hawke, Jackie Sigler, Jerry Lou Randall, and Charlotte DeBrie were among the group in 'Old King Cole's Christmas'. Marilyn Kirk was featured in, 'Kitty's Present'. Marilyn Kirk, Bud Phelps and Duncan McGregor were among the characters of, 'Christmas Eve at Home'. Christmas carols were sung by grades five through eight, which included all of Bud's friends. When the entire cast came out for their final bows, they received a standing ovation from the attendees. The crowd of people in attendance for this "Christmas Carol Program" started the evening with heavy hearts, but left the auditorium with smiles on their faces. They all were thanking the Lord for the innocence of these Gibbon Grade School students, and the joy they brought to everyone this night.
This memory of what brought people together during a very stressful time in their lives is presented to you as a reflection on how simple things can bring such good memories. Between now and Christmas I challenge you to reflect on simple memories that brought you joy. Pat & I went to our Church's Christmas Presentation Friday night and reflected on the many Church Christmas Programs we have attended over the past fifty five years.
One of the early Christmas times in Wheatridge Colorado, Santa knocked on our door and when he came into our entryway he greeted the girls with their names; neither Pat nor I had arranged for this Santa and so the entire family once again believed in Santa Claus (it turned out to be a neighbor that had a real gray beard and a special Santa outfit he had purchased to enjoy Christmas with the neighborhood kids). When we lived in the Colorado mountains we attended a small Community Church in Aspen Park and the Christmas Programs presented by that small church brings back very fond memories. When we lived in Grand Island, Pat was one of the singers in the first "Singing Christmas Tree" presented by the Grand Island Evangelical Free Church, and sang in many of the early programs. I reserved my talents to usher for the "Singing Christmas Tree" performances therefore protecting the ears of the attendees. We have had special memories at our oldest daughter Bridget's home on Christmas Eves, our middle daughter Shauna's home on Christmas Days, and usually our youngest daughter Wendy blessed us with either songs she had written or one of her special Christmas stories. I have just touched on a few of our special memories of "Christmas Past" and I'm sure that I have triggered some of your own "Christmas Past" memories to enjoy. I invite you to share some of your memories through your comments on this blog posting.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
World War II officially started for the US on December 8th 1941
On December 8th - President Franklin Delano Roosevelt announced to the nation by radio that the United States had declared war on Japan. Several days following our declaration of war against Japan - Germany declared war on the United States.
Final paragraph from Dad's scrapbook for 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 attacking 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 young 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 this 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.
"Patriotism" is still needed in 2010 with your support going out to our troops wherever they may be serving in our armed forces.
Final paragraph from Dad's scrapbook for 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 attacking 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 young 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 this 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.
"Patriotism" is still needed in 2010 with your support going out to our troops wherever they may be serving in our armed forces.
Like this Marine on the poster below.
Or this soldier carry his heavy load
Are we carrying our load, are we praying for their safety, or are we just comfortable in our homes or apartments - can we please say a special prayer for our current hero's stationed all over the world??? God Bless and protect them.
Monday, December 6, 2010
"Remember Pearl Harbor"
On Sunday, December 7th, 1941, I was 9 years old and with my family at a neighbors house when the following happened as is noted in my book, "Gibbon's Secrets" by RG Bud Phelps
The radio was on, with a low pleasant sound of music in the background, when the music was interrupted with a news flash.
"It was just reported that Japan has delivered simultaneous bombing attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam. Japanese forces have invaded Malaya and Thailand, seizing Shanghai, and declaring war on the United State and Great Britain."
On December 8th - President Franklin Delano Roosevelt announced to the nation by radio that the United States had declared war on Japan. Several days following our declaration of war against Japan - Germany declared war on the United States.
These events were blows felt by the entire country, and it could quickly be seen that this small town of Gibbon was showing its own effects of these blows. Its young men were quickly heading to the recruitment centers in Kearney and Grand Island. The Five Friends Forever banded together to pledge a patriotic bond supporting the United States until World War II ends in victory.
If you were 21 December 7th 1941 you would be 90 today in 2010, and I can just image what was going through your mind that fateful day. Many of the 90 year olds of today were our hero's during World War II.
My hero, Dale Pitke, was home on leave - serving on the USS Arizona which was in port in Pearl Harbor and sunk on December 7th 1941. Dale lost many of the friends as well as all his personal belongings he had left in November 1941 when he came home on leave.
This experience touched me as a young boy of 9 and influenced my desire to join the Navy in March 1951, just 10 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
I relate this December 7th 1941 experience in my book - "Gibbon's Secrets" by RG Bud Phelps, which is as my subtitle indicates - is 'A Boy's Memories of the 40's'. This book would make a special gift to all your remaining hero's of World War II or to all the boys and girls that were around 9 to 16 on December 7th 1941.
The radio was on, with a low pleasant sound of music in the background, when the music was interrupted with a news flash.
"It was just reported that Japan has delivered simultaneous bombing attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam. Japanese forces have invaded Malaya and Thailand, seizing Shanghai, and declaring war on the United State and Great Britain."
On December 8th - President Franklin Delano Roosevelt announced to the nation by radio that the United States had declared war on Japan. Several days following our declaration of war against Japan - Germany declared war on the United States.
These events were blows felt by the entire country, and it could quickly be seen that this small town of Gibbon was showing its own effects of these blows. Its young men were quickly heading to the recruitment centers in Kearney and Grand Island. The Five Friends Forever banded together to pledge a patriotic bond supporting the United States until World War II ends in victory.
If you were 21 December 7th 1941 you would be 90 today in 2010, and I can just image what was going through your mind that fateful day. Many of the 90 year olds of today were our hero's during World War II.
My hero, Dale Pitke, was home on leave - serving on the USS Arizona which was in port in Pearl Harbor and sunk on December 7th 1941. Dale lost many of the friends as well as all his personal belongings he had left in November 1941 when he came home on leave.
This experience touched me as a young boy of 9 and influenced my desire to join the Navy in March 1951, just 10 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
I relate this December 7th 1941 experience in my book - "Gibbon's Secrets" by RG Bud Phelps, which is as my subtitle indicates - is 'A Boy's Memories of the 40's'. This book would make a special gift to all your remaining hero's of World War II or to all the boys and girls that were around 9 to 16 on December 7th 1941.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
World War II - 1941 excerpts from "Gibbon's Secrets"
Looking inside Chapter 19 - "Gibbon's Secrets" 1941
The radio was on, with a low pleasant sound of music in the background, when the son was interrupted with a news flash. "It was just reported that Japan has delivered simultaneous bombing attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam. Japanese forces have invaded Malaya and Thailand, seizing Shanghai, and declaring war on the United State and Great Britain."
On December 8th - President Franklin Delano Roosevelt announced to the nation by radio that the United States had declared war on Japan. Several days following our declaration of war against Japan - Germany declared war on the United States.
These events were blows felt by the entire country, and it could quickly be seen that this small town of Gibbon was showing its own effects of these blows. Its young men were quickly heading to the recruitment centers in Kearney and Grand Island. The Five Friends Forever banded together to pledge a patriotic bond supporting the United States until World War II ends in victory.
Reg's key highlights during December of 1941
December 7th 1941 - Japanese aircraft launch a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, (also on the Philippines, Wake Island, Guam, Malaya, and Thailand).
December 8th 1941 - United States declares war on Japan.
December 8th 1941 - German offensive drive in Russia bogs down.
December 9th 1941 - China declares war on Japan and Germany.
December 11th 1941 - Germany and Italy declare war on the United States and sign new military alliance with Japan.
December 11th 1941 - United States declares war on Germany and Italy.
December 13th 1941 - Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania declare war on US.
December 20th 1941 - Chennault's Flying Tigers enter combat.
December 23rd 1941 - Wake Island captured by the Japanese.
December 24th 1941 - General MacArthur decides to evacuate Manila and withdraw to Bataan.
December 25th 1941 - British forces surrender Hong Kong to the Japanese.
The radio was on, with a low pleasant sound of music in the background, when the son was interrupted with a news flash. "It was just reported that Japan has delivered simultaneous bombing attacks on Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Wake Island, and Guam. Japanese forces have invaded Malaya and Thailand, seizing Shanghai, and declaring war on the United State and Great Britain."
On December 8th - President Franklin Delano Roosevelt announced to the nation by radio that the United States had declared war on Japan. Several days following our declaration of war against Japan - Germany declared war on the United States.
These events were blows felt by the entire country, and it could quickly be seen that this small town of Gibbon was showing its own effects of these blows. Its young men were quickly heading to the recruitment centers in Kearney and Grand Island. The Five Friends Forever banded together to pledge a patriotic bond supporting the United States until World War II ends in victory.
Reg's key highlights during December of 1941
December 7th 1941 - Japanese aircraft launch a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, (also on the Philippines, Wake Island, Guam, Malaya, and Thailand).
December 8th 1941 - United States declares war on Japan.
December 8th 1941 - German offensive drive in Russia bogs down.
December 9th 1941 - China declares war on Japan and Germany.
December 11th 1941 - Germany and Italy declare war on the United States and sign new military alliance with Japan.
December 11th 1941 - United States declares war on Germany and Italy.
December 13th 1941 - Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania declare war on US.
December 20th 1941 - Chennault's Flying Tigers enter combat.
December 23rd 1941 - Wake Island captured by the Japanese.
December 24th 1941 - General MacArthur decides to evacuate Manila and withdraw to Bataan.
December 25th 1941 - British forces surrender Hong Kong to the Japanese.
Reg's Summary at the end of the 1941 World War II Time-Line
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 attacking 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 young 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 this 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!
Reg Phelps
Gibbon, Nebraska
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Gibbon's Secrets - Thanksgiving 1941
I felt it would be very appropriate to give you a little taste (excuse the expression) of how Thanksgiving 1941 was.
From Chapter 18 - Gibbon's Secrets -
Thanksgiving is more than just a day to have a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings. It is a special day that one can make known to one's family and friends the things most thankful for. So, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the boys decided to meet at the Big Red Barn to share the things they were most thankful for this year. They had already shared their Thanksgiving for God's protection when they were following the stranger.
Bud said, "I'm most thankful for my four friends, and all of the good times we had together this year - especially the secrets that we shared." Donny said, "I'm most thankful for the stranger being caught. The thought of him still makes me shiver, with a chill that seems to run from my neck and all the way down my back." Duncan said, "I agree with Donny and Bud, I'm thankful we helped catch the stranger and also for my four friends, and like Bud said, I'm thankful for the secrets." Wally said, "I'm most thankful for the fun times we had fishing and camping this last summer. Being able to eat the fish you catch just can't be beat." Stanley said, "I'm most thankful that you guys are such special friends for me. You're always there when I need you most, and I'll never forget it."
The Phelps' family was now seated around a Thanksgiving table overflowing with a plentiful harvest of food, and they all had so many things to be thankful for this year. Reg said, "First, I would like Erskine to lead us in our Thanksgiving prayer, and after dinner I will ask each of you to share the most important things you are thankful for this year."
Erskine asked everyone around the table to hold hands, and said, "Heavenly Father, we have so many things to praise Thee and thank Thee for this year. It is difficult to choose just one. We did so vividly see the healing power of prayer by simply looking into Reg's face, and thank Thee for granting our prayers for this healing power. We hear of the many heroic acts performed to either protect, or actually save individuals in the many war-torn cities in Europe. We thank Thee for protecting Bud and his friends as they encountered the stranger that was in our midst. Now, we ask Thee to bless this food that is set before us. May we use it to nourish our bodies for more complete service to Thee?" Everyone at the table felt the strength of Erskine Claar's prayer, and in unison they all said, "Amen."
They spent the afternoon together sharing the things that they were most thankful for. Jean shared her joy of finding the Indian Spear Point. Bud shared the satisfaction of tracking the stranger, and learning the importance of highway safety, as well as the friendship of Jack Shaunesey. It had been such a busy and important year; beginning with the tragedy of Reg's accident, and his miraculous healing that was the most important single thing for the entire family.
Now here it is Thanksgiving 2010, and each of us should share all the things we are so thankful for this year. Thank God as He continues to bless our family, and I thank Him so very much for his protection and for His healing power for several of our family members this year.
May God Bless all of you, and may you have a very blessed Thanksgiving 2010!
From Chapter 18 - Gibbon's Secrets -
Thanksgiving is more than just a day to have a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings. It is a special day that one can make known to one's family and friends the things most thankful for. So, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the boys decided to meet at the Big Red Barn to share the things they were most thankful for this year. They had already shared their Thanksgiving for God's protection when they were following the stranger.
Bud said, "I'm most thankful for my four friends, and all of the good times we had together this year - especially the secrets that we shared." Donny said, "I'm most thankful for the stranger being caught. The thought of him still makes me shiver, with a chill that seems to run from my neck and all the way down my back." Duncan said, "I agree with Donny and Bud, I'm thankful we helped catch the stranger and also for my four friends, and like Bud said, I'm thankful for the secrets." Wally said, "I'm most thankful for the fun times we had fishing and camping this last summer. Being able to eat the fish you catch just can't be beat." Stanley said, "I'm most thankful that you guys are such special friends for me. You're always there when I need you most, and I'll never forget it."
The Phelps' family was now seated around a Thanksgiving table overflowing with a plentiful harvest of food, and they all had so many things to be thankful for this year. Reg said, "First, I would like Erskine to lead us in our Thanksgiving prayer, and after dinner I will ask each of you to share the most important things you are thankful for this year."
Erskine asked everyone around the table to hold hands, and said, "Heavenly Father, we have so many things to praise Thee and thank Thee for this year. It is difficult to choose just one. We did so vividly see the healing power of prayer by simply looking into Reg's face, and thank Thee for granting our prayers for this healing power. We hear of the many heroic acts performed to either protect, or actually save individuals in the many war-torn cities in Europe. We thank Thee for protecting Bud and his friends as they encountered the stranger that was in our midst. Now, we ask Thee to bless this food that is set before us. May we use it to nourish our bodies for more complete service to Thee?" Everyone at the table felt the strength of Erskine Claar's prayer, and in unison they all said, "Amen."
They spent the afternoon together sharing the things that they were most thankful for. Jean shared her joy of finding the Indian Spear Point. Bud shared the satisfaction of tracking the stranger, and learning the importance of highway safety, as well as the friendship of Jack Shaunesey. It had been such a busy and important year; beginning with the tragedy of Reg's accident, and his miraculous healing that was the most important single thing for the entire family.
Now here it is Thanksgiving 2010, and each of us should share all the things we are so thankful for this year. Thank God as He continues to bless our family, and I thank Him so very much for his protection and for His healing power for several of our family members this year.
May God Bless all of you, and may you have a very blessed Thanksgiving 2010!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
USS Harry S. Truman's Photos
I am dedicating this blog to honor deployment pictures of the USS Harry S. Truman. It is my continued belief that the United States still has the most powerful Navy in the world. We need to continue this effort to protect and to keep us strong in the eyes of other countries.
The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 15, 2010
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, Arabian Sea (Sept. 19, 2010)
Sailors on the flight deck prepare for the morning cycle of flight operations.
ARABIAN SEA (Nov. 15, 2010) Three CH-53E "Superstallions" assigned to the "Fighting Griffins" of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, Arabian Sea (Aug. 28, 2010) -
Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12 “fast-rope” from an HH-60H helicopter
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, Arabian Sea (Aug. 30, 2010)
A flight deck shooter aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) signals for the launching of an F/A-18C Hornet
USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, Arabian Sea (Sep. 5, 2010)
A F/A-18E Super Hornet launches off the flight deck
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran's Day - November 11, 2010
I am proud to say the I served in the United States Navy during the Korean Crises (1951-1955). The U.S. Navy is the greatest Navy in the world and I just pray that our Congressmen will continue to support funding necessary to maintain or increase the needs necessary to support and protect the citizens of the United States of America.
I would like to share some of my picture collection relative to Navy Service for your enjoyment:
World War II Navy Poster
World War II Navy Poster
A U.S. Destroyer pulling along side the USS Valley Forge for refueling
Picture taken @ Gtmo Cuba in 1953
Navy swimming pool @ Gtmo Cuba in 1953 - USS Valley Forge in background
And now for a glimpse of our modern US Navy, I will share a picture of the USS George HW Bush
A sharp turn into the wind - USS George H.W. Bush - 2010
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