by David Lane
Page 57
Page 57
the life on the homefront during the war. A full dance
floor was also, set-up to get you “In the Mood”. Yes,
that was one of many songs that was selected for this
particular event, and I must say, “It fit right in with the
era, of that time!”
I had the honor to play the role of a Naval Officer: “Captain Lane”. My main duty at this event was
to operate the dogtag machine and make the actual
dogtags. Back in the time, all military members were
issued dogtags to properly identify them just in case
they were a casualty of war and or other medical
conditions that left them unconscious.
During WW II computers were not available so
every issued dog tag had to be produced by hand.
An operator during that time would be “lucky”
to work on an electric dog tag machine. Yet,
each letter and or number had to be keyed by
hand and mistakes made on the tag meant the
entire tag had to be re-stamped. Therefore, it
is understandable if operators got tired and
omitted information or abbreviated names.
It is even possible that the machinery may not have
been working properly or letters and or numbers were
missing. This particular machine that I had the privilege
of operating was sort of like operating a typewriter, as
the numbers and letters were typed onto the tag.
The South Milford Fire Department served
the “canteen” food for the event.
For those
that experienced
this event, I am
sure they took
home something
new they learned
during this time on
the “Homefront.”
The next main
event that the
LaGrange County
Parks and Recreation
Department is coordinating is: “Cowboy
Day” Park Your Horse
a celebration of the
National Day of the American Cowboy.
This event will take place on July 23, 2011 at the
David Rogers Memorial Park. Mark your calendars for
this you do not want to miss event. There is a lot being
planned such as: A Morning Trail Ride, Horseshoe
Pitching, Chuckwagon grub, how to saddle-up-yourhorse, cap gun fast draw, these are just a few of the
family orientated activities being “rustled-up.”
Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure
Phone: 260-463-4901 • Fax 888-439-6528 • The Hometown Treasure
Delt Church Park paid tribute to life on the homefront during the World War II era on Saturday; June 18.
Participants had a chance to experience aspects of
life on the homefront during the second World War. Displays of posters, photo albums, artifacts, video images,
military vehicles, activities, family collections,
music of the time, actual troops
and or family members
of those that
actually served
from the era
were on hand to
talk with others
and to reminiscence of the time.
War is not a pleasant
topic to discuss by
all means but all was
not negative. Good
times were also shared.
I believe the generation today does not
have a clue as to what
t h e
World Wars, or any wars
for that matter,
were actually all about and events like this gives them
a chance to understand our history and to learn of
our heritage. That’s why it is so important to save
our history, it is a learning tool for our future.
The American Legion Post 215 of LaGrange
opened and closed the event with the presentation of colors. The “Colors” refers to the red,
white and blue colors of our American flag
and the colors of an organization’s flag, such
as the military. The “presentation of colors” is
a ceremony that formally introduces to, and
later retires these flags from, an assembly
of people. Often the American Legion are
invited to perform this ceremony at events
like this and other events conducted by local governments. It should be considered
an honor to be asked to present the colors. It
is also tradition to open and close the ceremony by
a trumpet call, as it was sounded here at this event.
Also, enjoyed was the performance of the “Hope:
USO in WW II,” a marionette show performed by our
very own, Scott Beam who is our LaGrange County
Interpretive Naturalist. He also was the coordinator
and inspirer of this event.
The LaGrange County Community Band was on
hand to play the concert of the evening. Songs were
selected for a swing dance concert as it was back in
July 2011
July 2011
Homefront 1944 Tribute Event