Wartime sacrifice

The current crisis has been referred to as a WAR ( even by Trump). If it is a war can we learn something about how the USA population on the home front sacrificed during World War ll? There have been many movies, books and TV shows about the sacrifices made by gallant soldiers, but what about the citizens who experienced the war from the home front?

Keeping the troops supplied and making sure that short supplies at home were fairly distributed meant that we all had “ration books”and were aware of any waste. Adults in my life complained about having to make a choice between sugar or meat but they accepted the fact that their “liberty” was limited and in some cases eliminated. Complain, yes, but ignore, no.

Even kids were expected to know the facts of the war and to participate in the action on the “home front.” News reels were shown before the cartoons at the Saturday movies. Balls of tin foil on the teacher’s desk became bigger with additions made by fellow students.

Of course the current war on COVID is different from WWll. But if we are “All In This Together” maybe we all need to assume different attitudes and resolve about what is really necessary to win this war. Being concerned about my personal safety does not mean I can be unconcerned about the safety of my country

Anna Roberts

Spokane