During World War II, the Christmas trees at the White House and Rockefeller Center remained dark. This Christmas is the 80th anniversary of the first Christmas after the end of the war.
According to author Matthew Litt, Christmas 1945 was the “greatest celebration in American history.” The 25-foot White House Christmas tree was re-lit on Christmas Eve, and Rockefeller Center’s tree had 700 colorful ornaments.
President Truman declared a four-day Christmas weekend. Bus and train stations were packed with GIs going home.
America was celebrating with a joy that worried parents hadn’t experienced in years. “This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years,” said President Harry Truman.
As we celebrate this year, it is good to remember the joy, hope for the future, the unity, and the shining light of Christmas 1945.
Bruce Kelsh,
Cottage Grove
