The Wilmington morning star., 1944-07-30
LETTER BOX
INDUSTRIAL U. >. o.

To the Editor:
In an effort TO inform citizens
of our community relative to the
general setup Of the Industrial u.
S. O., wish to give a few pertinent
facts:
This organization was chartered
TO serve Americans Of both the
armed forces and war produc-
ton forces. It serves a conmu-
nifty primarily-it may also serve
industry and its employees direct
ly. It is a temporary agency to
assist recreational, welfare and
personal services in communities
unexpectedly flooded, due to h e
war, with the military and with
war workers.
National U. S. o. furnishes a
modest building, equipment d
staff, and those benefitting carry
a major portion of the program
expense. Provision will be made
for Longing, writing, reading and
music facilities in downtown To-
cation for all civilians a great
many of whom are living II
cramped quarters with no oppor-
t1lnity for recrcational facilities.
The U. S. o. will be a place for
relaxation and fellowship and the
programs will be developed to suit
the needs and interests of h pa
irons.
The Industrial U. S. o. will en-
deavor to assist to as great an ex-
tent as is possible il the readjust-
nlent period from war to peace
time. The rehabilitation work for
The returned soldier will be the ma
ior program of post = War days.
He will need diversion and the SYM
pathetic understanding and assis-
lance of those persons trained to
Geal with human values. 1t is our
mustered-out boy, whether he be
normal physically and mentally or
a cripple, as well as our men and
women now engaged in industry,
whom this organization is establish
ed to serve.
OF the $4,000 raised by the COM
munity Chest, the defense activi-
demonstrating among which is
The shipyard, contributed approx
,nately one half, including $25, 900
from the North Carolina Shipbuild-
ing company for postwar activities.
We are late in rendering to the de-
Tense employees who made this do
nation possible the service which
is rightfully theirs, but, although
the appropriation for an Industrial
Z. S. %. was made in the early
summer of 1913, this delay was
brought about by the necessity for
prlorities and lack of available ac-
tlvlty, during which time the COM
forts and conveniences offered by
the U. S. o. referred to should be
afforded those who have so will
iagly made the financial arrange
ments possible.
The War workers have left their
home environment to come to our
city and work in War plants. II
is true that they have received ex.
cellent incomes; but it should be
taken into consideration that with
CUT them our hope of victory would
have been impossible. It should al
SO be borne in mind that there
have been more physical casual
ties, UP to aauary /, 1914, in War
pants, rnen, and women, than there
have been men killed on the bat
lie fronts. Our civilian workers
have kept the home fires burning
and have worked untiringly to
back the attack"
We have welcomed the cootribu-
tons which these folks have made
to the financial. business and pro.
tesslonal life of Wilmington. They
have played major part in max
ing possible New Hanover county's
quota in the sale of War Bonds, the
Red Cross drives and similar 70.
sponsibilities. Now, when there ex-
lists necessity for thinking pri.
'narily in terms Of human values
let US not fail our industrial and
civilian population.
w. r. DOSHER.
Member Of USO Advisory Coun-
July 20, 1914.