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Headlines were mixed on the eve of war

Americans had just finished their Thanksgiving holiday and were looking ahead now toward Christmas 1941. The world around them was in its second year of World War II. They had heard President Roosevelt say back in 1936, “I have seen war. I hate war.”

Most Americans probably agreed with him, but the times were changing. Indeed they were because Roosevelt had just won a third term, shattering the long honored two-term precedent.

Even Durango and Southwest Colorado were not isolated as the days’ events brought the international situation to their doorstep. Every newspaper had new headlines that could not be wished away or ignored for very long. It seemed that the world as some said “was going to hell in a handbasket.”

With local young men in service, this was not an abstract worry. Yet not all news was about the world situation.

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Herald Democrat, Nov. 21 and 22

Fort Lewis Aggies Beat Pueblo Junior College on Snowy Field

Coach McClain on commenting on the game said it was the best job of playing his team had done all year. Fort Lewis 31 Pueblo 6. Pueblo was only once in Fort Lewis territory during the game.

HHH

Headlines on Page 1 of the two papers:

Japanese Diet Adjourns Amid Warlike Threats

Violence flares at strike closed Pennsylvania coal mines as governor waits

British action against allies of Nazi hinted

German blow drives Moscow defenders back

Premier General Tojo issued declaration that Japan is preparing expansion policy. At the same time efforts being redoubled to cope with what Tojo calls an unprecedented national crisis

Gambling Game Operators are Assessed Fine

Woman Evangelist Now Appearing at Foursquare Church

Winter Proof Your Car Now

Zero Weather Sweeps the Mountains

The Herald is giving away a free turkey for Christmas to everyone who pays for their subscription

Drinking for Science (The article discussed how much alcohol could be consumed before a person became drunk).

HHH

“A Yank in R.A.F.” starring Tyrone Power and Betty Gable. “Packed with Laughs, Songs, Romance and Adventure” was the movie feature.

Duane Smith is a retired Fort Lewis College history professor. Reach him at 247-2589.



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