War (1941-1945)

 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. (Eccles. 3:1-8)

Chapter 1: 1941, Pearl Harbor

It was a quiet Sunday afternoon. Mittie was sitting in her rocking chair listening to the radio. Doodle was washing dishes, and Pearl was drying them and putting them away.

2 Suddenly, the radio program was interrupted with a special bulletin. “From our newsroom in New York, President Roosevelt has announced that Japan has attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii from the air - stay tuned to this station for further details,” the announcer stated matter-of-factly.

3 Doodle and Pearl rushed into the room from the kitchen. “What does that mean?” Doodle asked. “Where is Pearl Harbor?” Pearl demanded. “I think that means war,” Mittie responded. “Raymond, Luke and Dick…” she trailed off.

4 As more details of what had happened began to be reported, the looks of bewilderment on the women’s faces only grew more intense. Just then, the front door swung open and Raymond rushed into the room.

5 “Have y’all heard about Pearl Harbor?” he asked. They shook their heads in the affirmative. “I guess this means war with the Japs!” he exclaimed.

6 Dick and Annie dropped by a little later. Dick was quiet while Annie talked to Doodle, and Mittie and Pearl listened.

7 At lunchtime the following afternoon, President Roosevelt’s address to a joint session of Congress was broadcast over the radio to the nation: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy: The United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan,” he began.

8 He continued: “The United States was at peace with that nation… I regret to tell you that many American lives have been lost … No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory… (Applause.) I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941 a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”

9 The following weekend, Buford asked Doodle to marry him. “I don’t know how long we’ve got,” he pressed. “I only know that I love you and want us to be together. They will probably draft me. Who knows what’s going to happen, but I really don’t think we should wait,” he pleaded. Doodle smiled. “I think you’re right. Let’s go talk to Mama.”