The December 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor quickly changed the face of World War II. Roosevelt knew it as he told the nation that “December 7, 1941 — [was] a date which will live in infamy.”

Families felt it as they heard husbands, fathers, and sons express their willingness to enter the military. The family, a place of refuge, was separated. However, families did the best they could to make their loved one seem near. The family photo shown here is completed by a picture of their absent son in uniform.


The William E. and Geneva W. McMurdie Family, Logan, Utah, May 1943
Photo courtesy of Maughan W. McMurdie

Spouses and sweethearts, temporarily separated, found refuge in each other’s letters. At times, it was through these letters that they came to know a son or daughter born after the father’s deployment.

Those on the homefront gave up comforts for the war effort. Gas, sugar, silk stockings and even elements for Christmas ornaments were limited or not available at all.

The war was fought in the States and abroad to create homes that could be once again a refuge.

The December 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor quickly changed the face of World War II. Roosevelt knew it as he told the nation that “December 7, 1941 — [was] a date which will live in infamy.”

Families felt it as they heard husbands, fathers, and sons express their willingness to enter the military. The family, a place of refuge, was separated. However, families did the best they could to make their loved one seem near. The family photo shown here is completed by a picture of their absent son in uniform.


The William E. and Geneva W. McMurdie Family, Logan, Utah, May 1943
Photo courtesy of Maughan W. McMurdie

Spouses and sweethearts, temporarily separated, found refuge in each other’s letters. At times, it was through these letters that they came to know a son or daughter born after the father’s deployment.

Those on the homefront gave up comforts for the war effort. Gas, sugar, silk stockings and even elements for Christmas ornaments were limited or not available at all.

The war was fought in the States and abroad to create homes that could be once again a refuge.