I was born in the early 1950's, and I'm incredibly grateful to my parents and to the post WWII American culture I was raised in, and, sad for the sacrifice of 400,000+ Americans killed in that war. In the 1930's, 21% of all Americans were involved in food production; planting, growing, harvesting, processing, and distribution; we were already a manufacturing giant in many sectors. But after December 7th 1941, America was transformed into a juggernaut of industrial might greater than anything that ever existed on this planet! Because of this massive transformation, I consider myself as one of the luckiest people that has ever lived. Everything was possible in America post WWII; in 1947 Americans invented the transistor; this single device has changed the life of more people on Earth than any other, and this device and many others allowed America to put man on the moon! I am alive because of the sacrifices and accomplishments of Americans. I am inspired to teach my children and grandchildren about what being an American is truly about. David Riddle

Food production skyrocketed in the war years because the US and Canada were feeding half the world, thus vastly increasing demand.