Memorial Day is celebrated this month
and I’m think of my forebears living through the World Wars . . .
My Grandfather Henry Longenecker and
my Father Ray Longenecker
were Mennonites.
Both registered for the draft during one of two world wars
Grandfather Henry during World Wars I
And my Father Ray during World War II
Each of my forebears were required to register for the draft for the United States of America, called the Selective Service.
My memoir Mennonite Daughter: The Story of a Plain Girl gives a nod to their stance of opposition to war
Excerpt from Chapter 2, “The Newlyweds”
My dad held to the Mennonites’ opposition to war and probably thought of himself as patriotic. Perhaps the disconnect between the patriotism of those who took up arms and my father’s pacifism could be explained by his first allegiance to the church and its doctrine of nonresistance, which prohibited members from going into the military because it conflicted with the scriptural teaching of “love and overcoming evil with good.” Nevertheless, my dad and his father Henry eventually contributed scrap metal in the effort to defeat Hitler.
My nephew Austin Fairfield discovered the certificates of draft registration below, researching his own ancestry. The War Production Board acknowledged my grandfather’s contribution of scrap metal to the War effort during World War II when the defeat of Nazism seemed to override his position of non-resistance held by the Mennonite Church.
My grandfather Henry Longenecker circa 1914
Henry Longenecker’s draft card, World War I, 1914-1919
My father Ray Longenecker. October 1940
My father, Ray Longenecker, October 26, 1940, age 25
Ray M. Longenecker’s draft card, World War II, 1939-1945
Grandpa Henry’s draft card indicated four choices for race: White, Negro, Oriental and [American] Indian, I suppose referring to four broad resignations: Caucasian, African, Asian, and native American, a very narrow interpretation to many 21st century readers.
On the face of it, my Dad’s draft card offers no option for “race.” And there are cross-outs which I cannot explain. However, I notice my father’s very elegant, highly ornate printing of his name, while his signature is very much as I remember it. Note, too, his birthday occurs this week in May more than 106 years ago, and his employment registers as “For Father,” a farm implement dealer.
In addition, to my father’s position as a conscientious objector to war, the government may also have considered agriculture an essential service.
* * *
The 2020 Census, taken amidst the global pandemic, mind you, specifies an elaborate array of racial identities cited below, not just the four specified on my grandfather’s draft card, circa 1910. (The information below is an abridged page. You can find the full text here.)
The 2020 Census asked a series of questions about you and each person who lives with you. When responding, you were asked to record the race of each person living in your home on April 1, 2020.
We understand you might have had questions about providing this information. Here were some of the guidelines for responding:
- Your answer to this question should be based on how you identify. Each person can decide how to answer.
- You are free to choose where to report your identity and which boxes to mark, or not to mark.
- You are not required to mark a checkbox category in order to enter a response in one of the write-in areas. You may respond by entering your specific identity or identities in any of the write-in response areas on the race question.
White:
The category “White” includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. Examples of these groups include, but are not limited to, German, Irish, English, Italian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Polish, French, Iranian, Slavic, Cajun, and Chaldean.
Black or African American:
The category “Black or African American” includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in any of the black racial groups of Africa. Examples of these groups include, but are not limited to, African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, and Somali. The category also includes groups such as Ghanaian, South African, Barbadian, Kenyan, Liberian, and Bahamian.
American Indian or Alaska Native:
The category “American Indian or Alaska Native” includes all individuals who identify with any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment. It includes people who identify as “American Indian” or “Alaska Native” and includes groups such as Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe, Mayan, Aztec, Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government, and Nome Eskimo Community.
Asian:
The category “Asian” includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent. Examples of these groups include, but are not limited to, Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese. The category also includes groups such as Pakistani, Cambodian, Hmong, Thai, Bengali, Mien, etc.
There are individual Asian checkboxes for people who identify as one or more of the following:
- Chinese
- Filipino
- Asian Indian
- Vietnamese
- Korean
- Japanese
- Other Asian (for example, Pakistani, Cambodian, and Hmong)
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander:
The category “Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander” includes all individuals who identify with one or more nationalities or ethnic groups originating in Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands. Examples of these groups include, but are not limited to, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese. The category also includes groups such as Palauan, Tahitian, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, Saipanese, Yapese, etc.
There are individual Pacific Islander checkboxes for people who identify as one or more of the following:
- Native Hawaiian
- Samoan
- Chamorro
- Other Pacific Islander (for example, Tongan, Fijian, and Mashallese)
Some Other Race: If you do not identify with any of the provided race categories, you may enter your detailed identity in the Some Other Race write-in area.
Note: The April/May 2021 issue of AARP magazine showcases Asian and Pacific Islander celebrities and the heroes who inspired them. Find the article HERE.
***
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. ~ Revelation 22:2 KJV
Did your father or other relatives serve during any wars in this or the previous century?
What do you make of the designations of race, shown on the draft card or in the recent census?
Good morning, Marian! It’s so interesting to find documents like that. I discovered that my maternal grandfather’s citizenship papers were witnessed by a military officer. He was a recent immigrant who came to the US just before WWI. I think entering the military or being drafted expedited the citizenship process.
Census returns are fascinating!
Some states are now offering a nonbinary classification on drivers’ licenses.
Great conversation openers, Merril. How wonderful that you can trace details of your grandfather’s citizenship. The census taking last year seemed to “blow by” with little notice because of the pandemic. i believe the “nonbinary classification” on drivers’ licenses must refer to their being gender neutral, a sign of the times.
Yes–sometimes there are great finds on ancestry. 😀
Nonbinary and gender neutral are not exactly the same, but yes.
Lots of fascinating history here, Marian. If we have a draft card for my dad, I’m not aware of it–but to have your grandfather’s as well is pretty amazing. I was a little amused too to read the designation “Name of person who will always know your address.” !
I’ve written about some of my dad’s experiences as a conscientious objector; he did three years service in work of “national importance” I think the phrase is. Here’s a (long!) link for those interested: https://findingharmonyblog.com/2013/06/15/finding-harmony-across-three-generations-as-the-daughter-of-a-world-war-ii-c-o-married-to-a-son-of-a-world-war-ii-vet-part-ii/
I enjoyed the foray back to your Mennonite family’s experience as conscientious objectors to war. The acronyms, VS (Voluntary Service) and CPS (Civilian Public Service) camps are familiar to me. I remember some Mennonite men became hospital orderlies during the Viet Nam war.
The photo in the hot tub is priceless, Melodie, passing on family history via story. 😀
Hi Marian – I enjoyed looking at these draft cards for your father and grandfather. Before I read your comment about your father’s elegant handwriting, I’d already noticed that! My father was in the navy during WWII. He was lucky because he was only 17 when he graduated high school, so he went to college and then signed up for the navy when he turned 18. He got into officer’s training and was able to finish college just as WWII ended. I like that your grandfather was recognized for contributing scrap metal. Great post, super interesting!
You have a sharp eye for detail, which makes you such a good book reader/reviewer. Your father was astute in organizing his career. Several students I taught were getting college credits on the GI bill.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post; thanks for adding your dad’s story to the mix, Barbara! 🙂
Thank you for sharing this very interesting information. Happy Remembrance Day! I think if someone with a firm conviction could not serve the weapon, that is just as honorable. I myself would have been released from military service because of my preparation for the priesthood at that time. But like everyone of my age, I decided to do this training. 😉 Michael
Thank you for reading my blog, Oikos. I’ve seen your trademark on other blogger’s websites, and I’m happy that you have stopped by with a comment today. 🙂
Thank you very much, Marian! Always a great pleasure investigating new blogs, with great information. Have a nice week! Michael
Thanks again, Michael. You are always welcome here. Have a great week as well!
Thank you very much, Marian! 🙂
I take it as a sign of progress that we cringe when we look at the race categories on the draft card. It was a card of its time, and it can’t be blamed for that. Thank goodness we are growing in our knowledge and understanding.
True confessions when it comes to the word patriot: It worries me. The word is becoming almost as complicated as the word “love” when it comes to the ways it can be twisted in meaning and used as a weapon.
When I was in school, the word “patriotism” had a positive connotation, simply meaning love for country. The word “nationalism” seems to be more fraught with danger, suggesting that the interests of one nation is more important than those of others. That belief, as we know, led to Nazism in the 1930s and 40s.
Thanks for sharing your point of view, Arlene, always welcome here. 🙂
My dad served in WWII. He enlisted in the Army the day after high school graduation. He told me that seeing the effects of the war was what prompted him to become a priest.
War is horrible, I agree, and the effects on the serviceman/woman are profound, including PTSD. However, my grandfather, even as a conscientious objector to war, thought Hitler had to be stopped and so contributed scrap metal in World War II. Thanks for sharing the reason behind your dad’s becoming a priest. I’d like to know more about his story, Liz. 🙂
My dad has appeared as a character in several of my stories, as well as my novel.
🙂
What an interesting topic. You posting this quickened me to search my fathers obituary. He served as a marine in world war ll and the Korean War I was told. I know he is buried in a military cemetery in El Paso TX. Love the picture of dad at 25 years old. What handsome Longenecker men. The women are also sharing in those beautiful genes. Love the picture of you and cliff.
Gloria, I’m glad this post prompted you to research your dad’s connection to World War II.
The photo of my handsome dad is a detail from his and Mom’s wedding photo. I don’t have any other portrait of him at that age, so I cropped the picture from October 1940, a year before I was born. Thanks so much for stopping by again to “visit”! 🙂
Mark recognizes all those races from the Census. 🙂 With your forefathers’ adversity to war, did they actually have to serve? Did they serve, as they were drafted? I know in my dad’s generation you could pick “community service” instead of army duty if you had mental objections against war/military service. One year of service in the army equaled two years of “community service.”
The mandatory draft in Belgium was abolished some time in the nineties. My peter Marcel (maternal grandfather) fought in WWII and became a POW in Germany. I still have letters he wrote to my oma. She told me many stories of that time, before she died.
Ah, I remember now that Mark was a Census taker. Most people don’t remember much about that event since the pandemic got most of the news coverage in 2020. Neither my grandfather nor father actually participated in the wars, I suppose because agriculture was considered “essential,” or so I’ve heard. Hitler and Nazism was so menacing though, Grandpa Henry did contribute scrap metal to the war effort, which probably became weapons. In his mind, Hitler & Nazism had to be stopped at all costs.
How fortunate you have letters your grandfather wrote to Oma + her own stories. Two point of view!
Thanks adding an international flavor to the comments, Liesbet. And best wishes as you sort things out in Newburyport these days. ((( )))
Marian — I agree with Arlene: “I take it as a sign of progress that we cringe when we look at the race categories on the draft card.”
My dad served in the Korean war. My husband, Len, was in the Gulf War.
Yes, the racial categories of old are so derogatory to modern minds, but that’s how our forbears viewed the people of the world back then.
I wonder if you are wrestling with the characters in Iconoclast today. I’d glad the murders in your books are merely fictitious – ha! 😀
Fascinating, Marian! Thanks so much for sharing these insightful historical documents that are a part of your family history.
You’re quite welcome. Thanks for commenting, Bette!
You skillfully put together words and photographs/documents to tell another one of our family stories. Well done.
I heard Daddy say one time that he wished he could have served in the war. I believe you have memory of Hitler and Mussolini being talked about and roundly condemned at our ‘Martin’ Thanksgiving table.
Daddy loved our country and relished singing the National Anthem.
Thanks for the kind words, dear sister.
Yes, the Martins were politically savvy as was our dad, who expressed disdain for “Old Joe Staleen,” like his uncles. I would say Daddy was patriotic, caring about the welfare of our country. He listened to the news every day when he came home for lunch. I remember in the early 1960s he bewailed the removal of prayer in public schools. His words: “That’s the beginning of the end for this country.” 🙂
My grandfathers did not serve in WWII as they were farmers and were considered an essential service. My father was too young. In fact he got his conscription papers a few days before the war ended. He was always happy about that. Two of my great uncles enlisted but did not serve overseas. Because they were fluent in German, they were used to translate messages intercepted by radio in Halifax.
Considering their history, your parents and grandparents “match” mine in a way because they were farmers and considered an “essential” service. These lines stood out: “Because they were fluent in German, they were used to translate messages intercepted by radio in Halifax.” Even then, your family understood the power of language.
Thanks, Darlene!
So interesting, Marian, this balance between “patriotism” and war–especially the Second World War which felt like a just war if war can ever be considered just. My dad was not a conscientious objector and I’m not sure he knew that term, but he signed up for the Merchant Marines before he was drafted because he said, “I don’t want to shoot anyone.” So he spent 4 years carrying cargo and supplies to Europe and bringing back prisoners of war. He never regained his health.
My husband and I were ready, although not enthusiastic, to flee to Canada during the Vietnam War, but he turned 26 in 1967 so wasn’t drafted. We had friends killed in that war and didn’t think it was a “just” war. I don’t understand the love of war, but then I don’t understand the way the hummingbirds fight over the feeder and the bluebird males chase each other around. I feel fortunate to live in relative peace while there is so much war in the world. Thanks for sharing your family history about a hard issue.
I don’t understand the love of war either, but I think I’m in the minority. Peace always seems the best course, says the idealistic “me.”
Right now our President is joining others in the EU, calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, an old, old story re-enacted over centuries, it seems.
I can understand your dad’s impulse to resist combat, “I don’t want to kill anyone!” makes sense to me, so I can understand why he signed up for the Merchant Marines. Still, it took a toll on his health.
Thanks, Elaine, for adding your family’s response to a touchy topic. 🙂
My parents were refugees in Germany from 1944-1946. They claimed their German heritage and so my dad was eligible to be drafted into the German army. He has several stories of how he avoided the draft, but in the end they got him, just a few months before armistice in 1945. He became an American prisoner of war and was released in May of 1945. He had not seen his third child who was born in his absence and was over two months old when he returned! Apparently he was skin and bones and hardly recognizable. My 18-year-old uncle was also drafted and was accidentally shot through the eye by another Mennonite soldier who didn’t realize his gun was loaded while cleaning it. My uncle died instantly. See my blog post of Nov. 19, 2016 (http://ens-intransit.blogspot.ca/)
Oh, my, Elfrieda, this took me back to the 2016 blogpost about your family’s travails during World War II. We were friends back then, and I commented on your post, http://ens-intransit.blogspot.com/2016/11/
Your family’s story could certainly be titled the Geography of a Journey: Ukraine–> Poland–> Germany –> Canada. War definitely wreaks havoc on people’s lives and always requires (at least for the Christian) acts of forgiveness. I had to wince as I read the phrase “Mennonite soldier,” so foreign to my understanding of Mennonites in the Lancaster Mennonite Conference.
You have a unique perspective here. Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
Before Canada we were in Paraguay for 5 years (1947-1952)!
Elfrieda, after I pressed SEND, I realized I had left out that country. 🙁
I remember reading about this situation from your book, Marian. Throughout history religious teachings have come into conflict with a person’s individual views as well as the expectations of the government. Separation of church and state sounds great in principle, but how often do these things come from opposing sides?
Good memory of my book, Pete. An issue is not always black and white, opposing or condoning going to war, in this care. There is a gray area, my grandfather may have thought, and therein lies the conflict. That’s how I see it and apparently you do too. Thanks for registering your opinion here, Pete! : -)
I think it’s amazing that you even found these draft cards. Great pieces of family history. <3
Actually, my nephew Austen found these copies online. I would not have even thought to look for them.
Yes, I agree, a great piece of family history, Debby. 🙂
Wow! They have these draft cards accessible on line! 🙂
Yes, and probably MORE stuff available than I can afford the time & energy to sift through. Wow!
Thanks for the follow-up, Debby!
It’s so wonderful that you still have these documents. Astounding, really. But they help teach history – and help us (hopefully) improve our country and ourselves. To me, family history is history for ALL of us.
Pam, my nephew Austin found these dilly-dallying on the internet. I really don’t have the time or patience to ferret them out. That’s the truth.
By the way, a special package came in the mail today. Hint: It’s from Borgo Publishing. YAY!
I am glad your father and grandfather stuck to their principles of non-violence, but nevertheless contributed to the war effort against Nazism. My youngest brother is also a conscientious objector and, instead of doing the compulsory National Service, he worked in the offices as a civil servant.
I am not entirely sure what purpose it serves having to declare your ethnic origin other than to prove that employers are not discriminating against any particular group. I wish that wasn’t necessary.
Yes, Fatima, I thought the designations of race, then and now, were a curious thing. I wonder how the data is used. Not sure, but I do agree with you in wishing it wasn’t necessary. Thanks for chiming in! 🙂
You found an interesting take on Memorial Day, Marian. I am interested in your father’s ornate signature. I wonder what it says about him and how he developed it.
Wow! You are here after your whirlwind road trip, moving across States. I sense you have had a lot of help. . . STILL! Now you are writing from Lititz, I trow! And at 6:05 in the morning. Impressive, Shirley!
We can only guess at the motivations of the ancestors in our lineage. Yet it’s intriguing to speculate. Daddy had a brilliant mind, so he may have felt angst at passing up the college education, my Aunt Ruthie said he declined. Also, he may have felt obliged to carry on his father’s business, viewed then as the honorable thing to do since he was an only son. 🙂
Hi I Marian, this really is such an interesting post. I loved the pictures of the draft cards and also of your grandfather and father. They were both handsome men.
I agree about the handsomeness, Robbie.
P. S. Your comment landed in the “to-moderate” bin, which is puzzling since you comment regularly and don’t usually require my approval. Thanks for reading & commenting, once again.
Have a great weekend! ((( )))
My father was also a farmer and classed as an essential service…I also have ration books even for my husband as he was a tiny baby but he had a ration book. An interesting post on your family history 🙂
I wonder if my family had ration books. Who knew that our family history intertwined during the second world war. Thanks for checking in here, Carol!
My father and my FIL both served in the Army. I don’t know that they gave it much thought other than they were supposed to to it so they did. Hadn’t really thought about that until now. Funny the things you take for granted.
Very true! Thanks, Ally. 😀