Page 44 - December_2015_Life_in_Naples_Magazine

by Lois Bolin HOME FOR
Old Naples Historian
CHRISTMAS
W WII changed the ways Americans celebrate this precious holiday but those
holiday lights changed the dark experience of war. Many of the changes AL GONSALVES
happened because of shortages, but even more happened because time and
distance separated loved ones. our WWII veterans to see the parade. We
filmed the parade from 5th Avenue South,
For example, those of us who complain that Christmas decorations are already on store which was shown live on the City of Naples
shelves are actually following the tradition set in WWII because of the time it took to ship Comcast Channel 98. On December 8th,
things overseas. If gifts weren’t shipped by the middle to late October, the “hugs and kisses” we will film live from the steps of City Hall
in the form of wrapped goodies, would never have made it to the remote parts of the Pacific. so the feed is directly uploaded to the City’s
Channel, for better viewing.
The traditional Christmas tree underwent a transformation due to the lumber needed for
the war effort; so artificial trees filled the gap. Companies also began making cut out prints of Today, the American Family Christmas
ornaments in order to save certain materials needed for the war effort. The glass ornaments, is still one of the greatest joys of life - even
originally made in Japan and Germany, were replaced by the Corning Glass Company, who when siblings make you crazy or those
transformed their light bulb machines to make glass Christmas ornaments. ugly sweaters, you thought you threw out,
magically reappear. With so many family
Even Santa had a makeover. Prior to the war, Santa resembled the European version of members living far from home today,
Santa Claus; but our Jolly Old Saint Nick received a more American look during the war. either in service to their country or due to
employment opportunities, we invite you
Traditional songs we love to hear during the holiday season such as, “White Christmas,” to come Home for Christmas at the 2015
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,”“Let It Snow,”were written during this time period Christmas Parade - live on the streets of
and found their way into many films after the war. Perhaps the most famous Christmas song downtown Old Naples or live in the comfort
from the war was “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The song’s sentiments and longings made it of your home.
an instant holiday classic in America at the front and at home.
Note: To give a special gift this year, visit WWII
Christmas 1945 is known as the greatest celebration in American history. President Veteran, Albert Gonsalves, docent at the Museum
Truman ushered in the first tree lighting since December 24, 1941, when President Roosevelt of Military Memorabilia on Mondays and Fridays
and Prime Minister Churchill led a somber ceremony only seventeen days following the from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. He believes our children are not
attack on Pearl Harbor. learning about this period of America history. Tell him
we won’t forget. What a gift that will be.
MISSION POSSIBLE

Seven years ago, I was invited by the City of Naples Community Services Department
to assist with the Christmas Parade’s theme, judging and prizes. Along with the prizes, the
winners are announced at the City Council meeting following the parade. My self-prescribed
mission was to connect the theme’s meaning to our local history and select an Honorary
Chair who would best reflect that meaning.

In honor of the 70th Anniversary of the ending of WWII, I am please to announce that
The City of Naples Christmas Parade’s theme is “Home for Christmas, Celebrating An
American Family Holiday.”

When speaking to any one of the members of our Greatest Generation, Korean, Vietnam,
Cold War Veterans, current Armed Forces or their families, they will say that of all the
important things they sacrificed during their service; Christmas at home was the most difficult
thing to give up. It was also one of the key memories that gave many Vietnam POWs hope. I
know it did for my husband, Wayne Smith.

Our Honorary Grand Marshall this year is a family, whose patriarch served in WWII
then came back home to Naples to build legacy of service that is a benchmark for our
community. And that family is none other than the Wynn Family of Wynn’s Market and
Sunshine Ace Hardware.

Last year my husband (I like saying that word now) suggested that I find some way for

44 Life in Naples | December 2015