Military Monday – World War II German Communities
Written by Lorel Kapke, Sort Your Story Founder
My father was interested in the arts and was heading in the direction of becoming a commercial artist when World War II broke out. He insisted on joining the service as he felt it was “his duty.” However, choosing what area of the military to join was a bit difficult. (Ray was always considered a “gentleman” and not a “fighter” yet he enjoyed sports as he played basketball in high school -at 5’10″- he was quick on his feet !
The military questioned his intent and asked him if he wanted to kill the enemy. Ray felt no animosity towards “any group of people” and he did believe it was his duty to serve (with full knowledge of the political climate at that time.) Ray was placed him in the Navy as a gunner on the USS Davison and Minesweeper.
Historically, where Ray Kapke lived in Wisconsin, it was a tight German community. At that time in Wisconsin the impact both World War I and World War II had on this German community” was experienced by our German ancestors. I understand many, many cultures dealt with similar stories. I feel sharing these stories may be beneficial to understand “discrimination” was felt by “many, many groups of people in this country from early 1500′s and so on!
So our question to you today: Did your ethnic group suffer any discrimination during World War I or II in your community? How did that shape your family’s history? How are you preserving YOUR family’s war stories?
© 2013 Sort Your Story, Sonoma, California
Follow Friday – May 10, 2013
This Friday in honor of this month having both V-E Day and Memorial Day, we will focus on military ancestors. Here are some websites, articles, and blog posts we encourage you to read. If you have a story to tell about one of your military ancestors, please write and share it with your family and consider having it published in a genealogical society’s newsletter, blog, magazine, or quarterly journal. Talk to area museums and historical societies about donating written copies of your work for their archives. Through your stories, their lives will be remembered and honored.
Pritzker Military Library article in the Chicago Tribune
StoryCorps This organization helps everyone tell their stories, but if you are a veteran or know of a story, please have it preserved.
National Archives and Records Administration Veterans’ Service Records and Research section
What are some other military websites you find useful? Please share with us in the comments.
© 2013 Sort Your Story, Sonoma, California
Follow Friday – April 26, 2013
These are a few blog posts we thought you might find interesting which we hope will help you with your research and writing.
Sassy Jane Genealogy’s National Digital Public Library Launches Tomorrow
Are you going to the Federation of Genealogical Society’s conference in August? Check out their blog and see what they have to offer.
The We Tree Genealogy Blog’ All New FamilySearch Website
Have you found some great posts you think we should read? Please comment below.
© 2013 Sort Your Story, Sonoma, California
Tuesday’s Tip – #Genchat
Have you heard of #Genchat? It is a Twitter Chat that allows genealogists from around the world to collaborate. Two Friday evening’s a month you can sign onto Twitter and participate. The next #Genchat will be held on Friday, April 26. You can view the entire year’s schedule here.
Here are the upcoming April – July chats. All chats start at 9:00 Central Standard Time. And additional details can be found on the schedule page.
- 26 Apr: Oral Histories and Interviews
- 10 May: LIVE! From the NGS Conference in Las Vegas!
- 24 May: Utilizing Census Records
- 14 Jun: Data Analysis: Do you see what you have for all its worth?
- 28 Jun: Cemetery Projects
- 12 Jul: Your Latest Greatest Find! Share with us!
- 26 Jul: Putting Flesh on the Bones; Telling the Stories
Have you participated in #Genchat? What did you think? What great things did you learn? How has that helped you with your research and telling the story of your family?
© 2013 Sort Your Story, Sonoma, California
