Detail from stationary from the organization Dania Rear Squad, July 7th, 1943. The Rear Squad in Chicago supported Dania members who served in the American armed forces. Image provided by the Museum of Danish America, Elk Horn, Iowa.
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On April 9, 1940, German troops invaded Denmark. In the United States, Americans who had been born in Denmark or were of Danish descent were deeply saddened and shocked. They organized to support the Danes in Denmark and the freedom and democracy of Denmark.
From 1940-1945, Danish-Americans raised funds for Danish refugees in Sweden, bought war bonds, collected clothes to send to Denmark, carried out public relations work to protect Denmark's image, and took part in many other activities to support Denmark and - after the attack on Pearl Harbor - America. About 30,000 joined the armed forces. |