Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 31, 1941: US and Filipino forces form new defense line north of Bataan Peninsula. Japanese shell islands of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii. U-boats first spotted in US waters.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 30, 1941: Rommel retreats to El Agheila, Libya and positions held before his April offensive against the British. Gandhi resigns from leadership of India’s Congress Party when it decides to support Britain. First Liberty Class cargo ship, SS Patrick Henry, launched from Kaiser Shipyards, Richmond CA.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 29, 1941: British evacuate from British Borneo to Dutch Borneo. Japanese bomb Corregidor for first time.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 28, 1941: US authorizes first contingent of Navy Construction Battalions: the “Seabees.”

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 27, 1941: Japanese bomb Manila despite “open city” declaration. Australian Prime Minister John Curtin proclaims, “Australia looks to America.” Japanese sub I-25 shells US tanker Connecticut off mouth of Columbia River. US begins rationing of tires and all rubber goods.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 26, 1941: MacArthur proclaims Manila an open city. Winston Churchill becomes first British Prime Minister to address a joint session of US Congress. Blackout pointers are distributed in San Francisco.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 25, 1941: Japanese secure Jolo Island in Philippines. British forces in Hong Kong surrender to the Japanese.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 24, 1941: British Eighth Army takes Benghazi, Libya. As Japanese advance on Luzon, MacArthur begins withdrawal of US forces to Bataan Peninsula.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 23, 1941: Japanese take Wake Island after determined defense by US Marines. British evacuate Malaya above Perak River as Japanese advance.

The Advent Wreath - What Child Is This?

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

On Christmas Day we light the final candle - the Christ Candle. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Christmas Day - The Christ Candle

Candles:

Light all three purple candles (the Prophets' Candle, the Bethlehem Candle, and the Angels' Candle), the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle). Lastly, light the white candle in the center, showing how Jesus is the Light of the World.

Story:

Explain how the shepherds watched their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had born, and went to see the Baby Jesus in the manger - and how they reacted with great joy.

Scriptures:

Luke 2:1-20 (the birth of Jesus and the visit of the shepherds)
Matthew 2:1-12 (the visit of the Magi)
John 1:1-14 (Jesus coming in the flesh as the light of the world who brings life)

Songs:

"Joy to the World"
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"
"What Child Is This?"
"O Holy Night"
And all your family's favorites!

May the peace and joy of our Lord and Messiah, Jesus Christ, fill you with His light this Christmas.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 22, 1941: Arcadia Conference begins in Washington: Britain and US agree to “Germany First” plan. Japanese make main landings at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon and advance toward Manila. First American troops arrive in Australia. US expands draft: all men 18-65 must register, all men 20-44 liable for conscription.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 21, 1941: German Luftwaffe starts new bombing offensive against Malta.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 20, 1941: Japanese land on Mindanao in the Philippines and in Dutch Borneo, Celebes, and the Moluccas in Dutch East Indies. American Volunteer Group (“Flying Tigers”) flies first mission over China. Adm. Ernest King named Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet. US tanker Montebello torpedoed by Japanese sub I-21 off Santa Cruz, CA; survivors machine-gunned in lifeboats but no one injured.

Christmas in World War II - The Home Front

Although World War II did not take a holiday, Americans at home and abroad did their best to celebrate Christmas. Wartime separations and deprivations made festivities poignant and bittersweet. Last week’s post looked at Christmas for American servicemen and women, and this week’s looks at Christmas on the Home Front.

Families on the Home Front dealt with painful separations as sons and daughters, husbands and fathers were away from home in the service. The holiday season highlighted this pain. Those left at home wanted to make Christmas festive, especially for the children.

Gift giving presented unique challenges during World War II. While wartime income was high, few products were available on the shelves. Many consumer items weren’t manufactured due to shortages of raw materials and conversions of factories for military use. Clothing wasn’t rationed in the United States, but restrictions did apply and people were encouraged to make do with less. By 1944, a severe paper shortage even reduced the supply of books.

Hardest of all were the scarcities of toys for the children. Toys with metal or rubber parts weren’t available. Manufacturers switched to wood and cardboard and to the new plastics that were coming out. Popular wartime toys included dolls, wooden jeeps and airplanes, and “Bild-A-Sets,” which allowed children to construct cardboard play-sets, often with military themes.

The US government provided a solution to the gift dilemma and encouraged the purchase of war bonds for Christmas presents.

Christmas dinners weren’t quite as elaborate as before the war. Rationing of sugar and butter meant fewer sweets. Meat, including ham, was rationed. Although turkey wasn’t rationed, the armed services worked hard to provide turkey dinners to the servicemen overseas, which meant fewer turkeys on the Home Front.

The holiday tradition of traveling to visit family and friends had to be curtailed during the war. Gasoline was rationed, and civilians were discouraged from train travel to free the rail system for movement of troops and supplies.

Outdoor Christmas lights were one of the first wartime casualties. In Antioch, California, for example, outdoor Christmas lights were turned off on December 11, 1941, and the tradition of lighting the community Christmas tree was postponed for the duration. Blackout conditions on the coasts, and later a nationwide dim-out to conserve fuel meant Christmas might be merry—but not quite as bright.

Christmas in World War II left a lasting musical legacy. Bing Crosby’s recording of “White Christmas” topped the charts in December 1942, and has since sold over 50 million copies, making it one of the biggest hits of all time. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was the big hit for Christmas 1943, and Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was in the Top Ten in 1944. These songs share a soft melancholy, a nostalgia for home, a wistfulness for tradition, and an optimistic hope for the future that resonated in wartime and still resonates today.

Celebrating Christmas in World War II required ingenuity and flexibility, but Americans at home and abroad set aside their troubles to commemorate Christ’s birth.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 19, 1941: Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch resigns as Commander in Chief of German army; Hitler takes his place. US forms Office of Censorship.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 18, 1941: Japanese land on Hong Kong Island. Congress passes First War Powers Act, giving president power to reorganize governmental agencies, and authorizing censorship of mail and communications.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 17, 1941: Due to Pearl Harbor attack, Rear Adm. Husband Kimmel is removed as Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet and replaced by Adm. Chester Nimitz.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 16, 1941: Japanese land in British Borneo. In Philippines, Lt. Boyd Wagner becomes the first US Army Air Force ace in World War II.

The Advent Wreath - Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 18, is the fourth Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Four - The Angels' Candle

Candles:

Light two purple candles (the Prophets' Candle and the Bethlehem Candle), the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle), and the last purple candle (the Angels' Candle). The purple symbolizes penance. Traditionally, the father lights the candles.

Story:

Explain how God sent His angels as messengers to tell Mary she would give birth to the Messiah, to reassure Joseph, to announce the birth to the shepherds, and to warn Joseph of Herod's plot.

Scriptures:

Luke 1:26-38 (how an angel told Mary she would give birth to the Messiah)
Matthew 1:18-25 (how an angel told Joseph that Jesus was the Messiah)
Luke 2:8-14 (how a host of angels announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds)
Matthew 2:13-15 (how an angel warned Joseph of Herod's plot and told him to escape to Egypt)
Matthew 2:19-21 (how an angel told Joseph when it was safe to return to Israel)

Songs:

"Hark! the Herald Angels Sing"
"Angels We Have Heard on High"
"It Came upon a Midnight Clear"
"Angels from the Realms of Glory"

Let's all bring glory to the newborn king this Christmas!

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 15, 1941: With Germans in retreat, the Soviet government returns to Moscow. American Federation of Labor adopts no-strike policy in war industries. Many US universities cut undergraduate programs to three years by going year-round.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 14, 1941: British carrier HMS Audacity successfully keeps U-boat wolf-pack away from convoy HX-76 before being sunk by U-751, forcing German navy to rethink tactics. US armed forces extend term of service for enlistments to “duration plus six months.”

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 13, 1941: Japanese air raid virtually destroys US air strength in Philippines. British attack Rommel’s Gazala line in Libya.

Christmas in World War II - The Military

Although World War II did not take a holiday, Americans at home and abroad did their best to celebrate Christmas. Wartime separations and deprivations made festivities poignant and bittersweet. This week’s post looks at Christmas for American servicemen and women, and next week’s will look at Christmas on the Home Front.

Christmas during World War II found Americans on many fronts. In 1941, only a few weeks after the Pearl Harbor attack, American soldiers were putting up a fighting retreat in the Philippines. 1942 found soldiers fighting on Guadalcanal and New Guinea, and in Tunisia. In 1943, US forces fought on Bougainville, New Britain, New Guinea, and in Italy. Christmas of 1944 found the Allies reeling from the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and also in France, and also engaged in northern Italy, and back in the Philippines. Throughout the war, sailors faced attacks at sea. In addition, many servicemen and women were stationed far from home even if not on the front lines.

Nothing warmed the heart more than gifts from home. The Army and Navy post offices did their best to distribute presents quickly, but the sheer volume of mail and the great distances created difficulties. Families were advised to mail Christmas packages from September 15 to October 15, and the Navy restricted packages to under five pounds. Still, many servicemen, especially sailors at sea, received packages several months later. While many gifts were cherished and useful (such as candy, cookies, and warm socks), some were perplexing, such as neckties and cologne.

The armed services went out of their way to provide special holiday meals whenever possible. Those serving on ships or on fixed bases, either at home or abroad, had elaborate meals of turkey and ham with all the fixings. Even on the front lines, kitchens tried to provide turkey dinners. However, in 1942 on Guadalcanal, the troops were happy simply to receive an orange and a warm beer.

Traditional decorations were scarce, but improvisation and creativity reigned. On the hospital wards overseas, nurses snipped tin from used plasma cans to make stars to string from the tent ceilings or to decorate little trees. Ration tins and foil wrappings were used for other makeshift decorations.

Many bases arranged Santa visits, concerts, and parties for the men. In addition, Americans often put together parties for local children. For example, the airmen of the 94^th Bombardment Group stationed in Bury St. Edmunds threw a big party for British orphans.

Most of all, the perilous times reminded the serviceman and woman of the reason for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ, who saves us from our sins and will one day usher in a new heaven and a new earth without hate and death. Christmas services were held on all fronts, and the carols about “peace on earth, goodwill to men” were sung with special fervor.

Being separated from family and friends during the holidays made war that much more difficult for those in the military, but creativity and generosity made Christmas meaningful and memorable.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 12, 1941: Japanese make small-scale landings at Legaspi, Luzon in the Philippines.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 11, 1941: Germany and Italy declare war on US; US reciprocates. US east and west coasts placed on Category of Defense “C”: attacks to be expected. Isolationist “America First” committee disbanded.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 10, 1941: British enter Tobruk, Libya, relieving 242-day German siege. First US bombing mission of war, as B-17s of the 19^th Bomb Group attack Japanese ships off Luzon in the Philippines. British Prince of Wales and Repulse sunk off Malaya by Japanese aircraft; 730 killed—first time in history that battleships are sunk by planes.

The Advent Wreath - While Shepherds Watched...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 11, is the third Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Three - The Shepherds' Candle

Candles:
Light two purple candles (the Prophets' Candle and the Bethlehem Candle), and the pink candle (the Shepherd's Candle). The pink symbolizes joy. Traditionally, the mother lights the candles.

Story:
Explain how the shepherds watched their flocks, heard the news that the Messiah had born, and went to see the Baby Jesus in the manger - and how they reacted with great joy.

Scriptures:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (Isaiah's prophecy of how the Messiah would be born as a child, of David's line, the Mighty God)
Luke 2:8-20 (how the shepherds heard the news and visited Jesus)
John 10:1-18 (Jesus as the Good Shepherd)
Philippians 2:1-11 (Jesus' attitude of humility, shedding his majesty to come to earth as a baby)

Songs:
"The First Noel"
"While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night"
"Joy to the World"

How can your family celebrate the joy of Jesus this Christmas?

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 9, 1941: Soviets retake Tikhvin, Russia, allowing easier supplying of Leningrad. Japanese invade Gilbert Islands, landing on Tarawa and Makin. Japanese occupy Bangkok, Thailand.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 8, 1941: President Roosevelt makes “a date which will live in infamy” speech to Congress about the Pearl Harbor attack. US declares war on Japan. Japanese forces land in Thailand and Malaya. San Francisco has first air raid alert and blackout.

70th Anniversary - Remember Pearl Harbor!

Seventy years ago, on December 6, 1941, twelve B-17 Flying Fortresses left Hamilton Field, north of San Francisco, bound for their new station on Mindanao in the Philippines. My great-uncle, Roderick M. Stewart, served as a second lieutenant on one of the crews.

The first leg of their journey would take them to Hickam Field in Honolulu. Weighted down by gasoline for the thirteen-hour flight, they were unable to carry ammunition. But why would they need it? The United States of America was at peace.

When the B-17s neared Hawaii the next morning, they were pleased to see fighter planes approach - to escort them to the landing field, they assumed. Imagine their shock when the fighters opened fire on them! When the fighters careened past and the Americans saw the red circles on the planes! Japanese Mitsubishi Zeros. The United States of America was no longer at peace.

The twelve unarmed bombers dodged both enemy bullets and friendly antiaircraft shells and landed where they could on fields cratered by bombs. Eight landed at Hickam Field, two at Haleiwa Field, one at Bellows Field, and one put down on Kahuku Golf Course. One of the planes was destroyed, and three were damaged. Six men were wounded, and one man was killed.

Lt. Rod Stewart emerged unscathed, served illustriously in the Army Air Force, and lived a long life. However, over 2400 Americans lost their lives that day.

The horrific results of the "Date That Will Live in Infamy" still shock us, as they should. The cost of unpreparedness must never be forgotten. We commemorate those who gave their lives for their country, not even knowing that country was at war, and give thanks for the millions who fought to end that war.

Never take freedom for granted.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 7, 1941: Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, 2403 killed. Hitler orders “Nacht und Nebel Erlass”—dissenters to disappear into “Night and Fog.” In California, military guards are placed on the Golden Gate Bridge and at aircraft factories.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 6, 1941: Soviet Gen. Georgi Zhukov launches a counter-offensive north of Moscow against Germans.

If Only They'd Listened

On December 7, 1941, two Army Air Force radar operators on Oahu reported a blip on their screen, which looked like dozens of planes approaching Pearl Harbor. They reported it to Lt. Kermit Tyler, who had been on the job only two days. Tyler knew a squadron of twelve B-17 Flying Fortresses was due to arrive from San Francisco and land at Hickam Field at 8:00 am. He told the operators, “Don’t worry about it.” (http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/24/local/la-me-kermit-tyler25-2010feb25).

Radar was in its infancy, American planes were expected, and Tyler hadn’t been adequately trained, but we still wonder what would have happened if he’d heeded the warning. The damage at Pearl Harbor would have been less if the sailors and antiaircraft gunners had been prepared and fighter planes had been dispatched. If more ships had survived, would the Japanese conquests around the Pacific have been slowed or stopped? We’ll never know.

While Lieutenant Tyler had legitimate excuses, King Jehoiakim of Judah did not. In 605 B.C., King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and his mighty army pressed his attack on Jerusalem. The Lord told Jeremiah to write down the description of the destruction that would come if they continued in their ungodly ways—and that if they repented, the Lord would forgive them. When the scroll was read to King Jehoiakim, he used his knife to cut up the scroll, strip by strip, and burned it.

He—and all of Judah—paid the price for his contemptuous dismissal.

God gives us warnings in Scripture for our own good. His warnings have two promises—continue in your sin and something bad will happen, or repent and be forgiven. He always offers hope and redemption, but only if we choose it. Rejoice in His love always, but never dismiss His warning. Unlike 1941-era radar, God’s word is reliable.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” 2 Peter 3:9.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 5, 1941: The battleship USS Arizona arrives at Pearl Harbor. John Steinbeck’s Sea of Cortez is published.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 4, 1941: In Libya, the German army under General Rommel retreats to Gazala. National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis approves Sister Kenney’s controversial massage treatment for polio.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 2, 1941: German Army reaches the Moscow suburb of Khimki in sight of the Kremlin, its closest penetration.

The Advent Wreath - O Little Town...

One of my family's favorite Christmas traditions is the Advent wreath. On each of the four Sundays in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas), our family gathers around the wreath with cookies and eggnog and hot chocolate. Not only is this cozy family time, but it focuses us with joyful anticipation on the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday, December 4, is the second Sunday in Advent, but it's never too late to participate. If you'd like to join the Sundin family in this tradition, here are some family friendly, kid-tested ideas. Adjust these to the ages of any children present to create a meaningful time for your family.

Advent Week Two - The Bethlehem Candle

Candles: Light the first purple candle (the Prophets' Candle) and the second purple candle (the Bethlehem Candle) as shown. The purple symbolizes penance. Traditionally, the older children light these candles, but use your judgment.

Story: Explain how the prophets foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem of the family of David. Joseph and Mary came to the little town, which was crowded with visitors for the census, and the only place for them to stay was in a dark stable.

Scriptures:
Micah 5:2 (the prophecy that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem)
Luke 2:1-7 (how Jesus came to be born in Bethelehem)
Matthew 2:1-11 (the Magi come looking for Messiah; the Jewish leaders tell Herod of the Bethlehem prophecy)

Songs:
"O Little Town of Bethlehem"
"Silent Night"
"Away in a Manger"
"We Three Kings"

During this hectic holiday season, may you find stillness and peace with the Child of Bethlehem.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—Dec. 1, 1941: US forms Civil Air Patrol.