The Lone Star State has a special relationship with World War II veterans. Texas sent more of its citizens off to the war than any other state. It also became a major training center for new recruits and a industrial power for the war effort. Today there are many organizations that support the state's veterans and educate school students about the history of a period that dramatically changed the face of the state. Veteran stories Texas are an important part of the collective memory.
Before the war, this huge area was almost entirely rural, women were expected to stay home and raise a family, and everyone had been hard hit by the Great Depression. Texans responded enthusiastically to the call to arms, women joined the workforce in the factories, and populations shifted to urban centers. Training facilities for new recruits sprang up, swelling the population.
More than a million and a half trainees spent time in the state, and when the war was over the permanent population had grown by one third. The entire nature of the state had changed. Over 22,000 young people had given their lives, and many more returned drastically changed by their experience. One Texan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, became President, while another, Audie Murphy (the most decorated member of the Army) became a movie star. People born on ranches or farms stayed in the cities, and new economic realities began to shape the future.
In 2005 the Texas Historical Commission launched the 'Texas in World War II Initiative'. This project celebrates the sites and stories of the region and its people in the second world war. The initiative seeks to inform the public and preserve this rich heritage. Policies focus on education for middle and high school students. Although the stories include memories of service overseas, the experiences of the home front are emphasized.
Many local areas share in this feeling of responsibility for those who fought for freedom. College Station TX and its close neighbor Bryan focus on services for veterans. They also promote related resources within a Texan idea of 'easy access': Austin 80 miles away, Houston 100, Fort Hood 90, and the Temple veterans hospital, 70.
These cities are located in Brazos County. An organization named 'Brazos Valley Cares' is another active veterans support group. They seek to raise funds for other resources, like the Veterans Recovery & Support Center operated by Texas A&M, and the Family support Center in San Antonio. Check out their page online to learn more.
Many veterans have been able to return to normal life and resume both public and private affairs successfully. Others may suffer from post traumatic stress and not fare so well. All of them have stories to tell, as do those who stayed behind and supported the war effort. Texas beef fed armies, local industry made all the things wartime demands, and families struggled to survive without their young, strong men.
The efforts to support Texan veterans and their families is an example to other states. The story of the sacrifices of World War II need to be told and preserved. The people who gave their best for their country need to be celebrated.
Before the war, this huge area was almost entirely rural, women were expected to stay home and raise a family, and everyone had been hard hit by the Great Depression. Texans responded enthusiastically to the call to arms, women joined the workforce in the factories, and populations shifted to urban centers. Training facilities for new recruits sprang up, swelling the population.
More than a million and a half trainees spent time in the state, and when the war was over the permanent population had grown by one third. The entire nature of the state had changed. Over 22,000 young people had given their lives, and many more returned drastically changed by their experience. One Texan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, became President, while another, Audie Murphy (the most decorated member of the Army) became a movie star. People born on ranches or farms stayed in the cities, and new economic realities began to shape the future.
In 2005 the Texas Historical Commission launched the 'Texas in World War II Initiative'. This project celebrates the sites and stories of the region and its people in the second world war. The initiative seeks to inform the public and preserve this rich heritage. Policies focus on education for middle and high school students. Although the stories include memories of service overseas, the experiences of the home front are emphasized.
Many local areas share in this feeling of responsibility for those who fought for freedom. College Station TX and its close neighbor Bryan focus on services for veterans. They also promote related resources within a Texan idea of 'easy access': Austin 80 miles away, Houston 100, Fort Hood 90, and the Temple veterans hospital, 70.
These cities are located in Brazos County. An organization named 'Brazos Valley Cares' is another active veterans support group. They seek to raise funds for other resources, like the Veterans Recovery & Support Center operated by Texas A&M, and the Family support Center in San Antonio. Check out their page online to learn more.
Many veterans have been able to return to normal life and resume both public and private affairs successfully. Others may suffer from post traumatic stress and not fare so well. All of them have stories to tell, as do those who stayed behind and supported the war effort. Texas beef fed armies, local industry made all the things wartime demands, and families struggled to survive without their young, strong men.
The efforts to support Texan veterans and their families is an example to other states. The story of the sacrifices of World War II need to be told and preserved. The people who gave their best for their country need to be celebrated.
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