I remember it was a cold snowy day when Pearl Harbor was bombed, Dec. 7, 1941. I was 6 years old and in first grade when the sirens and whistles blew and we were sent home from school in a panic.
This is when the United States became involved in World War II, the war to end all wars. This was the time all able bodied men were drafted and became part of the military forces.
Everyone wanted to help the war effort. Women took over jobs that were previously done by men, hence Rosie the Riveter. Children collected tin cans and milk weed thistle to help in making of parachutes. Food, and gasoline were rationed according to family size, some people would save sugar to trade for cigarettes, butter was made by squeezing a plastic bag with some kind of shortening a big glob of yellow in center. After squeezing for a time it looked like butter.
We also had to practice blackouts with air raid wardens to enforce them This meant no lights on anywhere, no lighted cigarettes. Every home was to have a bucket of sand and a shovel in case of fire from bombs. At that time, we were all the United States of America.
My Aunt Pasquelina, Lena for short, joined the Army as a nurse. She served with honor, courage and dignity, in Italy and other countries. She was my inspiration to be a nurse and for 65 years and counting I am working in that profession.
Palma Moyer
Temple University Hospital
Class of 1957
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
