This documentary focuses on how families across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa were impacted by World War II.

How did families respond to rationing, blackouts, and supply shortages? How did women fill the vacancies in the workplace? We hope to answer these questions and much more.

Through the use of photographs, headlines, memorabilia and unique local stories, join us for a vivid depiction of life on the homefront during World War II.

KSMQ’s Shawn Martin embarks on a Ken Burns style production about life in Southern Minnesota and Northern
Iowa during World War II. Read more...

	Austin High School students Alyssa Ramlo, Tracy Flatt and Anthony Hernandez assist in the on-location recording of the memories of Shirley Rundquist at the Dodge County Historical Society Museum.

	A common form of correspondence during the war years—V-Mail—were full-sized letters were reduced in size when photocopied, then sent to families at home. This one, from the archives of the Freeborn County Historical Museum.

	Ration books, like this one from the Stewartville Area Historical Society, brought back memories of conservation, preparation and culinary ingenuity in many interviews.

KSMQ’s Shawn Martin embarks on a
Ken Burns style production about life
in Southern Minnesota and Northern
Iowa during World War II.

I have always been fascinated by motivation – even before I could spell or define it. Being exposed to the thoughts and feelings that drive our personalities, our desires and our transactions sometimes leaves me shaking my head in bewilderment. Just as often, however, I come away with a sense of understanding and appreciation that makes me a better person.

The latter is very much my emotion in undertaking this latest project. My new assignment from KSMQ, the production of a one-hour documentary has afforded me a precious opportunity to learn what was going on in the hearts, minds and lives of the people in this region during World War II. As a result, I have had the honor of spending a few moments with some of the greatest people I have ever met. I am convinced that their demonstration of endurance, wisdom, courage and love is unmatched.

People had just escaped the staggering economic hardships of The Great Depression. Now, every leader from the White House to the mayor’s office was asking people to return to a mode of self-depravation and unquestioning contribution – all under the banner of patriotism. For me, this generated the biggest question: “Why?” Why did people make these choices and sacrifices and why were they so courageous about it? Why are we so divided today about our current situation and could we as neighborhoods, communities, states, or a nation even come close to achieving what they did in the midst of World War II? How would I have personally responded to those same decisions?

I now have a much clearer appreciation for why this has been called “The Greatest Generation.” Even in this region, examples of this generation’s greatness abounded. One man relayed memories of his older sister carrying him the mile and a half home from school because his six-year-old legs would get too tired. Another woman recounted memories of sending care packages to relatives in Berlin who were separated by the wall. All remembered hearing the news of Pearl Harbor; and none considered their sacrifice, endurance or experience extraordinary.

This Veterans Day, I am proud to be the one delivering to our region a snapshot of some of these contributions. Time is becoming a swift thief of this rich legacy of experiences, knowledge and wisdom, and I believe Stories from the Homefront captures some of this treasury. May we never have to earn it for ourselves.

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