Edited by Gerald Boerner
Commentary:
We want to revisit last year’s main posting and present it to you so that you may appreciate how easy a community can provide for the needs of our armed forces. During the period following the Japanese on Pearl Harbor. The Union Pacific Railroad passed through the small, rural Nebraska town of North Platt. The women of the town heard that a train filled with Nebraska boys on their way to the West coast. These women decided to make cookies and coffee for these home state soldiers.
When the train arrived, it was found that it did not carry Nebraska soldiers after all. The cookies and coffee were given out none-the-less. Thereafter, the women continued to serve coffee, cookies, donuts, and sandwiches to each troop train that passed through. The soldiers were given ten minutes to receive their refreshments. This continued through the end of the war.
The North Platt Canteen should be used as a model for our communities (church groups, service clubs, etc.) to provide for those in need. We hope that you and your friends will explore the possibilities.
So, let’s get along with our exploration of the women providing for the sons of other families… GLB
These Introductory Comments are copyrighted:
Copyright©2010 — Gerald Boerner — All Rights Reserved[ 1576 Words ]
Quotations Related to THANKS
“They made us feel we were heroes…”
— Marine Sgt. Vincent Anderson
“Since 1945 I have been trying to find a community that I and some others owe thanks to.”
— Joseph F. Mullane, Sergeant Major, US Army
“Many women volunteered to staff the Canteen, which saw as many as 23 trains a day, carrying up to 8,000 servicemen and women.”
— Gary Reber