October 24, 1939, Menasha Record
At this juncture, America had yet to enter World War II and would steer free of the conflict for another two+ years. But the possibility loomed big in the minds of the Knights of Columbus, who reflected that concern in the essay topic it assigned to those entering its contest. In spite of the sensitive subject matter, Mr. Williams, the winner, manages to keep the idea of joining the war at arms length while condemning those who have instigated the war in Europe. I disagree with his stance that America's "duty" was to declare its neutrality, but that is an easy observation for me today, looking back some 80+ years in hindsight. I know it was a popular sentiment at that time for the US to stay out of the war. But I contend that America's involvement helped immeasurably to shorten the war and might have ended it even sooner if we had committed earlier.
I'll be back at work on the blog on Tuesday of next week, so no Monday entry. See you then!
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