Thanksgiving During World War II

Traditionally, Thanksgiving before 1939 was held on the last Thursday of the month. But, in 1939 Teddy Roosevelt made it the second to last Thursday of the month. Then he changed it to the 4th Thursday of the month due to backlash from retailers and businesses. During World War 2, there was an effort to provide traditional meals to those serving in the war, despite turkey being rationed. Thousands of turkeys were sent to the front lines. Some of the items that the Navy served during Thanksgiving were puree turkey soup, mixed vegetable salad with dressing, creamed mashed Irish potatoes, and canned sweet potatoes.

After receiving permission from the farm owner, these American airmen, stationed at an airbase in Norfolk, England, invade a turkey pen to choose their annual Thanksgiving dinner, 6 November 1943. (US Army Air Force photo)

Officers of the US 77th Bomb Group and the 54th Fighter having a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. (US Army Air Force photo)