THE UNSUNG HEROS

THE UNSUNG HEROS

              BY

JACK GOUDSWARD

     As we head into Memorial Day we reflect back on the sacrifices of our service men and women gave so we can live free and safe. Their duty is well known. But what about the “Unsung Heroes” their duty and dedication has all but been forgotten.  I am referring to the “Home Front Soldiers”. Members of the “Civilian defense” stood duty for long hours to protect the town, homes and family. Many a member would return home after doing ten to twelve hours war work day and then report for duty. Many citizens of town volunteered for this duty and served in more than one unit of the Civilian Defense.   The Aircraft Spotters spent long days and nights searching the heavens for enemy aircraft and then spreading the warning. Like the Civilian Defenders they were on call twenty four hours a day in case of an alert.  

     Local civic organizations also helped support the war effort. The Franklin Grange along with the other Granges in the state help raise funds to buy a bomber named “Fighting Granger” plus a PT boat, tanks and field Ambulances. The idea of contributing to the war effort even extended to the local school children. The Franklin Avenue School-now known as the Franklin Lakes Middle School- won the “Schools at War” Flag for buying bonds and stamps to support the war effort.  They also produced a newspaper and cards that they sent to graduates of the school in service. Many of the graduated troops wrote back telling the students how happy they were to receive the newspaper and cards. This helped raise moral of the troops.  

      But this tradition of support and giving goes back to the days of the “Great War”. The citizens of Franklin Township contributed enough money to build a Cargo Ship for the war. It was named “SS Campgaw”.  The war ended before this ship could enter service. But it did see service and part of convoys taking supplies to England and the U.S.S.R. Sadly the SS Campgaw was sunk by a German U-Boat while on a supply run to the U.S.S.R.

      Today this tradition continues. Personal items are sent to the troops along with cards and letters by school groups, civic groups, church groups and just regular people. All this is done with a sense of patriotism and thank you. So as you enjoy this Memorial Day, stop and reflect on what the “ Home Front Soldiers”  also did for your freedom.