WW2 was a "popular war" and it so it took greater conviction to be a conscientious objector to that war. We have the privilege of talking to 2 of the surviving CO's of that war, George Watson, 91 years old, and Jack Phillips, now 86. Their experience in confronting the draft and in serving in the Civilian Public Service had a profound effect on the remainding 60+ years of their lives.
Both George & Jack grew up Methodiist, a relative hotbed of pacifist convictions in some places at that time. George had already become a Quaker by the US start of WW2 and, as a father of 3 children, himself in advanced studies, confronted the draft at the tail-end of the war, while Jack, supported by his Methodist church, served about 5 years of alternative service, finding a home with the Religious Society of Friends along the way. Both currently reside in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Jack is a member of Twin Cities Friends Meeting, while George is a member of Minneapolis Friends Meeting.
Music featured in this program:
With God On Our Side - Joan Baez
Brave Man From Ohio - Andy & Terry Murray
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