The Howdy Doody show also had patriot symbolism. Howdy was an all-American boy with red hair, forty-eight freckles (one for each state in the Union), and a permanent smile. Howdy's face symbolized the youthful energy of the new medium. These TV shows kept the youth of America entertained and families were able to get their minds off the war when they tuned into these shows. After a decade of harsh criticisms, the rebirth of Hollywood raised the morale of soldiers overseas and the people at home.
In the 1940's Woody Guthrie led a fight against oppression. He was a musician who moved America with his lyrics. He wrote songs that Americans sung across the country and lifted spirits while family members were off at war. Guthrie wrote songs such as "This Land is Your Land", which described the beautiful land of America. "Sally Don't You Grieve" was written in 1944 by Guthrie and was for the women who had men at war:.
"I'm a-gonna cross that ocean wide.
Army rifle by my side.
When Hitler's beat you can be my bride.
But I told her not to grieve after me.".
Other songs that kept a positive outlook were "Born to Win," "Dear Mrs. Roosevelt." These songs comforted wives, mothers, and friends who were grieving over their war .
heroes. As popular music started to become more widespread and a way of life to Americans, jukeboxes started appearing on the street corners and in restaurants. While Europeans were struggling with their countries at war, Americans were actually enjoying themselves and their eyes were finally off of the crisis over seas.
During World War I, baseball had been cut short because of the war and would not return until America felt it was safe and respectful enough to continue. Shortly after the invasion of Pearl Harbor in 1941, Major League Baseball commissioner Kenesaw Landis thought it might be necessary to shut down baseball for the 1942 season as they had done during World War I.
