The city of Garland recently celebrated the opening of the Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy exhibit. Garland is the first Texas city to host the exhibit that originated at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
Mayor Scott LeMay and Council Members Deborah Morris, Rich Aubin, Jeff Bass and B.J. Williams attended the event. The Honorable Jackie Feagin and Assistant City Manager Judson Rex were also in attendance. Rex recognized Kim Nurmi from Heritage Crossing for her work on the exhibit as well as the Parks and Recreation Department team led by Andy Hesser. He also thanked several other city departments that were involved in the effort.
The exhibit is centered around President Roosevelt’s call to the people of the United States to help build an “arsenal of democracy” to aid our allies in World War II.
LeMay talked about how the dedication of Americans, along with their commitment to hard work and patriotism helped turn the tide in World War II.
“They really did manufacture victory through their efforts,” he said.
Manufacturing plants all over the country were retooled to manufacture equipment and supplies. Americans built tanks, trucks, weapons and much more. Then they built the ships to get the equipment to Europe. The determination and ingenuity they displayed during
this time has remained unrivaled.
Garland was heavily involved in the effort. There were plants like Southern Aircraft and Luscombe Aircraft who built planes and plants that built vehicles and weapons.
“The people of Garland have never been afraid of hard work, to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, then or now,” LeMay said.
The call from President Roosevelt brought many women into the workforce for the first time.
“Remember Rosie the Riveter,” Morris said. “’We can do it here in Garland, Texas,’ and in fact, the women of this city did.”
They filled jobs left open by men who joined the military. They worked on aircraft, and according to Morris, for the first time, women attended aircraft school for formal training.
“In a very, very progressive move for the 1940s, Southern Aircraft even opened a full-time day nursery to care for children ages 2-6 so that the women could continue to work there to assemble aircraft,” she said.
The nursery also served women who were working across Garland and in surrounding communities.
Aubin said that the exhibit was the story of Garland and many other cities during World War II. He added that “untold millions” of arms and equipment were manufactured.
“How do you build all these huge numbers of aircraft and equipment,’ Aubin said. “Everyone had a role to play to beat fascism…”
He explained that this exhibit is important because it tells the national story and Garland’s story. It helps other generations understand the price of freedom.
Josh Schick, senior curator and restoration manager at the National World War II Museum, said that interest in this type of exhibit usually wanes. However, this one continues to receive requests.
“I think it sort of embodies what the Arsenal of Democracy was — the tapping of every single ounce of passion, ability and natural resources to turn the war around,” he said
It was people and cities throughout the country coordinating what they were doing into one effort.
He added that the Arsenal of Democracy made the United States a true global power. In addition, it helped spread American culture throughout Europe.
This free exhibit is a must-see. It’s educational and interesting and it’s a great chance to see the role that Garland played in manufacturing some of the equipment that helped win World War II.
The Manufacturing Victory: The Arsenal of Democracy exhibit is in the lobby at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth Street in Garland through Aug. 15. It is open Monday and Tuesday – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Wednesday – Friday – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.