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During World War II, the number of marriages increased dramatically.
With much of the male population pressed into the war effort, a
sense of urgency dominated many young people's lives. The real possibility
of death encouraged couples to go ahead and "tie the knot"
as soon as the opportunity arose. The "rush to the altar"
became typical of the age, with estimates reaching over 1,000 brides
a day in the first months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. By the
end of the 1940's, proportionately more women were married than
any other time in the century.
USS NORTH CAROLINA was no exception. Many members
of the crew were married during the war, especially in 1944, during
the Ship's first trip home after a two-year tour of duty in the
South Pacific. The crewmembers and their wives you will meet in
these stories represent a small sample of the crew that were married
during the war years. Their stories share much similarity.
With the United States' decision to join the war,
thousands of young men left home shortly after reaching dating age.
Separated for months or even years at a time, most couples did not
have a chance to develop serious relationships through the traditional
means of dating. Therefore, the bonds of intimacy were created through
the exchange of countless letters. In some cases, even the marriage
proposal and engagement ring came through the mail! Their love was
sealed through marriage at the first chance, for it may have been
the last time that the two ever saw each other again. Fortunately
for all the couples here, they were happily reunited at the war's
end.
Even today NORTH CAROLINA remains a romantic lady
at heart. Site of dates, wedding proposals, rehearsal dinners, weddings,
receptions, honeymoon visits, and even christenings, she's a lady-in-waiting
for you and yours. |
