These stories can also be heard on Sunday mornings around 10 am on WILD 102’s “Look Back in Time” program. Each week’s radio story will be posted here on our website.
Weekly radio stories are researched, compiled, and read by Sheila Winstead, RCHS Board Member.
May 26, 2024
As 1941 went on, there were many ways the government was encouraging men to register for
possible service. One article in the January 30,1941, issue of the Roseau Times-Region said
this: “At a time when National Defense is the most important business on the books, it should be
called to the attention of all young men that there is an opportunity to serve their country, and, at
the same time, to prepare themselves for future jobs. This opportunity can be had by applying for
admission into the Marine Corps Reserve Aviation Unit at Wold-Chamberlain Airport, in
Minneapolis.
The Marine Corps offers the young man who has two years of college an opportunity to learn to
fly. In less than a year after his first solo in a Marine airplane, the man earns his wings and is
commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps Reserve or in the
Regular Marine Corps. Then three years of colorful flying with the United States Fleet and in
foreign lands offer training and experience in aviation that is unsurpassed. At the expiration of
enlistment there are opportunities in commercial aviation for the trained aviators.”
In February of 1941, a column about a registration plan. “This coming Saturday, February 22 nd ,
will find former service men in this and every community in the country registering in a national
mobilization of all assets in the nation for national defense. It is a part of the defense program
backed by the American Legion.
Former servicemen, whether Legionnaires or not, in this section will have the opportunity to
register, either at the Municipal Building or at the Times-Region office between the hours of 9 in
the morning and 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I. A. Sunset and J. Snustad will serve as registrars,
having been appointed by Post Commander John Franklin for the service.
Commander Franklin sought the co-operation of Mayor Louis Larson, who voiced his full accord
and his wonderment that it had not been started sooner. He urged every former serviceman to
register, and made the following statement: “Our Nation, State and Community always have
looked upon The American Legion as their first line of defense. For more than 20 years, The
American Legion has been almost singlehanded the foremost champion of all patriotic
endeavors, and has been rendering a high type of community service.
It is inspiring to find The American Legion in this hour of national emergency, mobilizing all its
assets for the good of the country. The American Legion constitutes a huge backing of
manpower, experience, training and devotion in our national defense. To catalog these qualities
so that they may be readily available to our government authorities in preparing our nation for
total defense, is not only a wise and practical measure, but it is also another great demonstration
of the American Legion’s devotion to God and Country. It is my hope that all World War veterans
in our community will register. “
This registration is voluntary on the part of the veteran, and it does not obligate him in any way
except in emergency when every loyal citizen should be ready and willing to do his part. It does,
however, permit gathering of information as to abilities along various lines if such are needed,
and it places the location of each one, giving the government a good picture of where it can find
needed help if such a time should come.
Following are questions asked on the registration blank:
Race; citizenship; married or single; number of dependents; education; present military or naval
status, if any; police experience, if any; foreign languages one speaks, if any; had any
experience as interpreter; present occupation, number of years in occupation; firm name of
employer.
Registrant will also state whether he believes he will be able to answer call for immediate
service, for general service anywhere, restricted service in home community only, or on part-time
or full-time basis. He will also be asked if he will be available for service in State Troops replacing
national guards, and what his general physical condition is at present. Then is listed sixty-seven
vocations, in which, if any, of the registrants are experienced may check. A number of former
servicemen have already been in to register. This can be done by contacting either of the two
men mentioned.”
Later in February of 1941, another column spoke to conscientious objectors: “President
Roosevelt this week issued an executive order authorizing Selective Service Director C. A.
Dykstra to prescribe “works of national importance: for conscientious objectors. The order
applies to citizens “conscientiously opposed to combatant and non-combatant service in the land
or naval forces of the United States,” and prescribes that their work shall be under civilian
direction.
Dykstra was given authority to make all assignments for such work. Selective Service
headquarters said the program would go into operation “fairly soon” under direction of religious
organizations.
The draft board, however, will supervise the work and see that it maintains a high standard and
that the men are to work equivalent to the training activities of army selectees. Religious groups
will pay practically the entire cost of operating the camps. An official of the national service board
for religious objectors said options are held on seven camps, and that it will cost approximately
$3,000,000 to operate them for one year.
Since there are no government [funds] with which to pay the men, they will work without salary,
although the religious groups intend to supply them with spending money.
The religious organizations will feed, clothe and provide educational and recreational facilities for
the men and pay all administrative expenses. The army may supply bedding.
Draft board officials estimated there are between 6,000 and 8,000 conscientious objectors
registered. Many object to combatant service and this group will spend a year of military training
in a non-combatant branch of the army.”
One more small article said: “In the registration of former servicemen under the emergency plan
of the American Legion, the clerks handling same have been finding plenty to do. While
registration day was set for Saturday, local clerks have been receiving registrations before and
after in order to accommodate those who wish to do their part, if need comes. Registration will
still be accepted. A great many of the fellows will have a tough time to get by the army doctor for
physical fitness, but they are still willing and ready to make things rough going for Hitler if he tries
any fool stunts over here.”
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