writing a story about World War I, 1917-1918 related to the uploaded photo and video
Statement:
When the United States entered into World War II, it sent an estimated 16 million troops overseas. Among them were nearly half a million Latinos. On the eve of war, most Latinos lived in rural areas, had incomes that lagged behind national averages so that poverty was enduring, lived with entrenched segregation, suffered from housing discrimination, had inadequate access to health care, and held very little educational opportunities.
Yet despite these atrocities, Latinos would come to serve in every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and participate in multiple campaigns. From the beach invasions in North Africa & Sicily to the storming of Normandy, France as part of D-Day; Latinos were there. From the island hopping campaigns in the Pacific against the Japanese Imperial Army to serving in defense related industries states-side or for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp; Latinos were, again, there.
Moreover, the Latino soldier has the distinction of achieving more decorations for bravery on the battlefield than any other ethno-racial group involved in this conflict; from Congressional Medals of Honor to Purple Hearts, and so on, and so on down the line.
At home, the Latino community also joined the war effort with unwavering commitment as they publicly displayed their patriotism by either purchasing liberty bonds, participating in Red Cross campaigns, or forming their own USOs (Senoritas USOs) for Latino service men who were typically barred from partaking in traditional USO activities
Worth mentioning are the contributions of Latinas to the war effort as they, by the thousands, worked in defense related industries filling in for absent spouses and sons gone off overseas. In these industries they worked as drivers of heavy machinery, as aircraft assembly line operatives, as medical personnel, as office workers, as translators, and in steel, railroad, and meat-packing plants.
Let it be known also, that it would be this generation who would come the lead the fight against discrimination throughout the U.S. The conflict overseas exposed Latinos to an international setting where men and women of different races and nationalities worked together for a common cause. It also created a new awareness of race and racism throughout the world. As such, Latinos became receptive to a more liberal and open society and returned home questioning the racial order and subordination of their own communities. In other words, they were deeply affected by continued discrimination as the country was still unwilling to extend full democratic rights to them. The end result was that the war would amplify an already entrenched civil rights movement that tried to deal with the gap between the doctrine of democracy the US advocated abroad and the racial prejudices against Latinos it continued to maintain at home
It is clear then, that Latinos and Latinas were very much committed to the war effort both overseas and states-sides and are absolutely deserving of the moniker “The Greatest Generation.” As President Harry Truman once stated, “our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.” “They have earned our undying gratitude.” “America will never forget their sacrifices.”
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