1940s: Romance, arguments and peace time conscription
As 1940 continues, life goes on much as it has before. Of the war, the ranch sees very little, to Anna's great annoyance, as she wishes everyday for the news that the US has entered the war and is now actively helping. No such news arrive, however. Instead throws herself - and Thomas - into the training of the horses. Starbuck enters his first master competition and finishes second. While Anna still dreams of gold she cannot stop talking about her champion horse. Bronco is getting there, but has not competed as much as Starbuck, and yet he is the more valuable horse of the two. Anna has already decided that when Misty is trained enough, and Bronco a champion, she'll breed the two.
While Anna is focusing all her attention and energy on the horses, Abigail has picked up a new aspiration. Her knitting. Before her knitting has always been a means to an end. To make clothes for her children, and for charity drives, but now she is knitting for her own enjoyment. Her favorite spot is in the rocking chair on the porch, where she can hear the chickens in the coop, and watch the horses being trained. Buddy has gotten old, and quite often he just rest by her side when she's knitting. Other times he forgets he's old and run around until he falls asleep somewhere.
For Thomas life is good. When at home he mostly works with the horses according to Anna's instructions, or do his homework at this very own desk, in his very own room, but sometimes a classmate comes over. And sometimes, that classmate is a very cute girl and not at all opposed to some flirting.
He wonders sometimes if she should take the plunge, but so far he hasn't been able to muster up the courage. Besides, he has a hard time deciding who to take the plunge with, as he has a crush on all the girls at school. "You're young, live a little, no need to make up your mind yet," Johnny tells him at one day at the park as they're resting after a day filled with competitions. Thomas not sure his parents would agree to that.
Then one day, as they are gathered around the radio, finally there is some news that Anna is happy about:
"In a historic move this September, Congress has enacted the Selective Training and Service Act, marking the first peacetime conscription in our nation's history. All men between the ages of 21 and 36 are now required to register for the draft. Those called to serve will be chosen by a national lottery system. Upon being drafted, these men will serve on active duty for a period of 12 months, followed by an additional 10 years in a reserve component, until they reach the age of 45 or receive an honorable discharge, whichever comes first. This measure is seen as a significant step in bolstering our national defense during these uncertain times."
Anna is delighted. "Finally!" she calls. "It's not enough, but at least they're finally doing something." Abigail does not agree. In a rare argument, the two fall right back to the arguments they once had - about war, about responsibility, about dangers.
"This is not just random, it will affect your brother, your nephews...what if William is called on in the draft? Or Harrison, oh that boy just got married."
"And why shouldn't they serve?" Anna retorts. "Johnny did, Nash did, I did as far as I was allowed. Why should any young man today be spared when men are already dying by the thousands in this war? And this is not even being called to serve, it's being called to train. Every man should be prepared to defend the world against tyranni!"
But for Abigail this is not about what is right, it's about her family, and that she cannot forget. She goes to bed annoyed, knowing it's an argument she cannot win but still feeling she's right.
As it turns out, Abigail didn't need to worry about her family. Of the 16,5 million men registered, only 800 000 or 5 percent were selected. Anna does loose her ranch hand, however. But this is a small price to pay she says, even if it means she'll have find a new one.
Meanwhile in Sulani, Harold is having the time of his life. During the day there are exercises and trainign the new influx of men, but it's at night Sulani comes to life when they all head to the local bar, or when he ventures out on his own in the company of a certain cute nurse he's gotten to know. Here, in the tropical heat with dolphins playing in the water outside, it's hard to believe that there is a war going on in the world outside, or that it will ever reach him here.
While Anna is focusing all her attention and energy on the horses, Abigail has picked up a new aspiration. Her knitting. Before her knitting has always been a means to an end. To make clothes for her children, and for charity drives, but now she is knitting for her own enjoyment. Her favorite spot is in the rocking chair on the porch, where she can hear the chickens in the coop, and watch the horses being trained. Buddy has gotten old, and quite often he just rest by her side when she's knitting. Other times he forgets he's old and run around until he falls asleep somewhere.
For Thomas life is good. When at home he mostly works with the horses according to Anna's instructions, or do his homework at this very own desk, in his very own room, but sometimes a classmate comes over. And sometimes, that classmate is a very cute girl and not at all opposed to some flirting.
He wonders sometimes if she should take the plunge, but so far he hasn't been able to muster up the courage. Besides, he has a hard time deciding who to take the plunge with, as he has a crush on all the girls at school. "You're young, live a little, no need to make up your mind yet," Johnny tells him at one day at the park as they're resting after a day filled with competitions. Thomas not sure his parents would agree to that.
Then one day, as they are gathered around the radio, finally there is some news that Anna is happy about:
"In a historic move this September, Congress has enacted the Selective Training and Service Act, marking the first peacetime conscription in our nation's history. All men between the ages of 21 and 36 are now required to register for the draft. Those called to serve will be chosen by a national lottery system. Upon being drafted, these men will serve on active duty for a period of 12 months, followed by an additional 10 years in a reserve component, until they reach the age of 45 or receive an honorable discharge, whichever comes first. This measure is seen as a significant step in bolstering our national defense during these uncertain times."
Anna is delighted. "Finally!" she calls. "It's not enough, but at least they're finally doing something." Abigail does not agree. In a rare argument, the two fall right back to the arguments they once had - about war, about responsibility, about dangers.
"This is not just random, it will affect your brother, your nephews...what if William is called on in the draft? Or Harrison, oh that boy just got married."
"And why shouldn't they serve?" Anna retorts. "Johnny did, Nash did, I did as far as I was allowed. Why should any young man today be spared when men are already dying by the thousands in this war? And this is not even being called to serve, it's being called to train. Every man should be prepared to defend the world against tyranni!"
But for Abigail this is not about what is right, it's about her family, and that she cannot forget. She goes to bed annoyed, knowing it's an argument she cannot win but still feeling she's right.
As it turns out, Abigail didn't need to worry about her family. Of the 16,5 million men registered, only 800 000 or 5 percent were selected. Anna does loose her ranch hand, however. But this is a small price to pay she says, even if it means she'll have find a new one.
Meanwhile in Sulani, Harold is having the time of his life. During the day there are exercises and trainign the new influx of men, but it's at night Sulani comes to life when they all head to the local bar, or when he ventures out on his own in the company of a certain cute nurse he's gotten to know. Here, in the tropical heat with dolphins playing in the water outside, it's hard to believe that there is a war going on in the world outside, or that it will ever reach him here.
A nod towards From Here To Eternity there.
ReplyDeleteNow you make me want to see the film. I have, a long time ago, but remember next to nothing of it other than the famous beach scene. :)
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