SwiftVets.com

PhantomSgt · Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2004 8:45 am Post subject: Great Americans

During WWII my Uncle and most of the men in our small town in Maine left their jobs at the local paper mill and went to war without hesitation.

Leaving behind mothers, wives, daughters and WWI Vets who took their place and became papermakers, one of the most dangerous jobs at the time. They worked 12-hour shifts, six days a week to support the wartime need for paper and I was told they didn’t worry about their hair or nail polish very much. There was no perfume that could cover the smell of sulfur in the air, so they didn’t bother.

Each one carried a small American Flag in their pocket and they would embroider the names of campaigns their husbands or loved ones were taking part in on the Flag. Some of these Flags ended up being one of the few mementos of a lost loved one. My Grandmother told me that she could not remember any of these brave women quitting after their losses and continued on for the war effort.

When the men did come home from war their jobs were waiting for them, with healthy raises, bonuses, land grants and seniority intact, because the Paper Company took care of their own.

The women went back to being housewives, mothers and grandmothers with more than a few memories and stories to tell all of us about later in life.

It is refreshing that the same Spirit is still in Corporate America. Thank you Home Depot and all your fellow supporters of Veterans.
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Retired AF E-8

Independent that leans right of center.

MajHavoc · Seaman Recruit Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 32

My mom was a Yeoman in the Navy and my Dad a Machinists Mate 1st class, in the Navy also, during WWII. Unfortunately none of that was waiting when they got home.

Personally I think it's awesome what the Paper Mill did!

/0

-Maj
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Grunt Marine - Vietnam 1969-70
Honorable Discharge 1975
"Death Before Dishonor"