The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On December 8th, America entered World War II. Many men and women came to Florida to help prepare soldiers for the war. Among the large number of soldiers from all over the U.S. who fought in this war were over 250,000 soldiers from Florida.
During the War, people had to cut back on food and all supplies that they bought. Everything was in short supply. Metal drives were held in cities all over the country. People brought anything metal they had at home, such as tin cans, pots, and car parts, to be melted down to make steel for the war machines. Florida cities also held money drives to build airplanes and ships. Another tactic that many families used to get through the war was growing their own food. People planted all kinds of gardens, which were called "victory gardens." Tampa officials estimated that there were over 10,000 victory gardens just in Tampa.
America and its allies eventually won the war in 1945, but at a tragic cost to the country. Over 400,000 Americans, (3,000 of which were Floridians) were killed during the war. These men and women are remembered each year on Veteran's Day, November 11. Special ceremonies, including parades, are held around Florida and the United States honoring the veterans' service and sacrifice for our country.
