Synopsis "Child of the Greatest Generation (in English)"
This World War II memoir describes the era of war bonds, food rationing, growing victory gardens, censored V-mail, and defense posters cautioning people with the slogan, "Loose Lips Sink Ships". A time of blackouts, air raid drills, and citizens saving newspapers, emptied food cans, and used kitchen grease in support of the war effort. Gene Herst writes about his childhood living in the home of Lucille Ball when her husband, Desi Arnaz served as a corporal in the U.S. Army. It was a time when the government forced American citizens of Japanese ancestry into internment camps while German prisoners of war worked in the farm fields across the United States. For some, this story will be a nostalgic remembrance of what occurred not too far in the distant past, while for the younger people, it would be a glimpse of a lifestyle at a time that was like no other in America during 1941-1945. A time when the popular music reflected loneliness from the separation of loved ones with song titles, "I'll Walk Alone", Cleaning My Rifle And Dreaming' of You", and songs of heroism such as, "Coming In On A Wing And A Prayer". Hollywood supported the war effort with films depicting bravery and patriotism as celebrities put their careers on hold to serve in the armed forces. This World War II home front remembrance is about ordinary people living through extraordinary times, sometimes poignant, other times humorous. It's about a boy and his dog, and his love for his country at a time when patriotism and civilian volunteerism to support the war was at an all time high even though G.I.s of the Jewish faith were subjected to anti-Semitic persecution. Despite a myriad of WWII books and movies about our parents at war, the story of the children who lived through that time has yet to be told. The real life struggles and triumphs of the American home front between 1939 and 1945 need to be preserved for those who will follow. Never again will our nation unite so seamlessly and selflessly to give so much for so long. Comment by S. Smart, daughter of the greatest generation.
