Pearl Harbor
Eileen Nordstrom and George Zuidema compiled memories from people at Hope College during World War II in the book Hope at the Crossroads: The War Years. In these accounts, many alumni recalled what they were doing on December 7, 1941 when they learned about the events at Pearl Harbor.
Barbara Folensbee Timmer: “One notable exception was on December 7, 1941. I’m not sure of the arrangements, but I do recall vividly that it was called a Vesper Service and it was a Sunday afternoon. Esther Snow was at organ, I was at piano and the choir sang. I do remember returning to the dorm, turning on the radio and hearing that Pearl Harbor had been bombed” [1].
Myra Berry: “Those who were alive on December 7, 1941, will never forget the feelings of shock and disbelief as we heard of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Hope's Musical Arts Club sponsored a Vesper Service that afternoon, and the first word many of us had of the attack came shortly after returning home from that event. That vesper service was the forerunner of the wonderfully impressive program held each year in Dimnent Chapel and involving all of the musical organizations on campus. Classes met as usual on Monday, the day war was declared, and though everyone was still pretty much in a state of shock, I don't think any of us realized what changes were in store for us” [2].
Rosey Maatman: “Pearl Harbor, December 7, put an abrupt end to our jubilant and easy-going lifestyle. I remember being with a group of girls in a dorm room listening to President Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” speech and declaration of war. It was a solemn moment in time and tears of realities ahead clutches at us” [3].
Glenn Bruggers: “On the 6th of December while much aware of the war being waged in many parts of the world, our primary focus was as it had been- on our studies. After the 7th the focus changed. At fraternity meetings the war became the center of all conversations. Students who had family members in the service began to follow closely where the troops were reported to be located. Draft numbers became a concern in determining how long one would be able to stay in college. Suddenly everything seemed shrouded in uncertainty” [4].
Don Mulder: “When the news came of the Pearl Harbor attack and our declaration of entry into the war, the implications gradually dawned on me. Within a month I would be 18 and eligible for service in the military. As I started up the stairway to my room, Genevieve was there. All I could do (admittedly tearfully) was say, 'But I don’t want to go to war- I want to go to school!' A reassuring hug was all the answer necessary” [5].
References:
[1] Eileen Nordstrom and George Zuidema, Hope at the Crossroads: The War Years (Holland, Michigan: Hope College, 2008), 17.
[2] Nordstrom and Zuidema, Hope at the Crossroads, 31.
[3] Nordstrom and Zuidema, Hope at the Crossroads, 69.
[4] Nordstrom and Zuidema, Hope at the Crossroads, 83.
[5] Nordstrom and Zuidema, Hope at the Crossroads, 121.
