One Week Until Official Launch

Jan Palson

25 Mar 2026 — 2 min read

In just one week my Dad - who everyone still calls Joe, will present himself at a railroad station with all the other draftees and head to Fort Devens near Ayers, Massachusetts and join the Army. I believe he'll leave from Natick with Audrey and his family there as support. It'll be a crowded platform. In the meantime, I do not know what's happening but I have to imagine they're getting ready and getting their ducks in a row. Where should Mom live? Has he quit his job already? Is there a going away party? How would you prepare? Here's the Evening Boston Globe with all the scary stuff going on in the war:

March 25, 1942 Boston Globe Evening Edition (Newspapers.com)

Glamour Girls?

This caught my attention. Instead of saying "women will adhere to all safety and dress regulations required for factory work, Lieut. Commander R.R. Darron (the R.R. must stand for "really rude") came out with "We're not running a fashion show" (i intended that in a snarky voice). Listen buddy, Mr. R.R., women didn't start this war but they're certainly going to help win it and you can take your peekaboo blouse and ... REDACTED. Besides, Naomi does look gorgeous. Women can run the world, run your turret lathe, and still look incredible. So there ;)

Treasury Balance - Wow

Yes, I too noticed this. War has just begun so this will change. War Bonds will be sold to help fund the war but still.... we're rolling in it:

Stay tuned - more to come as we get closer to draft day - April 1st.

Comments welcome :)

April 24, 1942 - Dear Audrey

Oh well, we’re in the Army now. It's a swell day and the weather is warming up. It's starting to turn green. No relaxing, no enjoying anything until after evening chow and mornings are made for marching. Having a band makes marching in step easier.

April 23, 1942 - Dear Audrey

These new recruits are in for a big surprise. Dad's sisters and ma came to visit with his neighbors probably to get an idea of what it's like since more and more young men are drafted. Like from his own neighborhood. Yes, they are getting serious.

April 22, 1942 - Dear Audrey

It’s a good day for an inspection... The sun is finally shining and he's miles away dreaming until... there's another inspection to keep him on his toes. The real focus is on that list for 24-hour passes. In the meantime, there's a lot

April 21, 1942 - Dear Audrey

...if they want for me to clean my rifle, I shouldn't kick. Per the previous letter, if you were betting on her having no willpower and going up to see him, you win. Sunday was Patriots' Day so of course Mom would want to go. Sounds like