By WILLIAM LAMBERS
By William Lambers
The total mobilization and unity that America had to win World War II is needed today to fight the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. That is why President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s National War Fund should see a modern day revival to help those suffering from the virus.
In a radio address in 1943, FDR asked Americans to rally behind the National War Fund drive. The fundraiser allowed every American a chance to donate towards the greatest wartime needs. Whether this was helping the welfare of U.S. soldiers or feeding hungry victims overseas, the National War Fund was vital.
FDR said the Fund “is playing a part in our total war effort which all of us in Washington regard as an absolute essential.”
A new National War Fund could raise money for the doctors and nurses on the frontlines battling the coronavirus. Hospitals around the country are desperate for medical supplies and short on funds. Money is needed to purchase medical equipment and also help with the daily needs of staff like meals and rides. Any little bit can give support to the medical personnel who are caring for COVID-19 victims and putting their own safety in jeopardy.
The Fund can also bring relief to the millions of Americans who are feeling the economic pain from the closings caused by the coronavirus. There has been many job losses already and tragically more likely to come. Emergency food banks are seeing a massive increase in demand. We are at risk of a major domestic hunger crisis.
Feeding America warns “School closures, rising unemployment and rising poverty due to quarantine and stay-at-home orders will disproportionately impact people already at risk of hunger and could result in an estimated additional 17.1 million people experiencing food insecurity, an increase of 46%.”
Food banks had a tough time keeping up with hunger even before COVID-19. Now it is getting worse by the day. Food banks need donations to help the poor. Food and nutrition for everyone is especially vital for the nation to fight off this disease.
There is also a severe humanitarian impact of the coronavirus in other countries, many of which have little health capacity to cope with an emergency. War-torn nations like South Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, Burkina Faso and Yemen simply do not have the resources to deal with COVID-19.
These countries are already suffering from hunger which may worsen because the virus has forced suspensions of programs like school feeding. Alternative means to deliver meals must be found.
The UN World Food Program, Save the Children, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF, CARE, Action Against Hunger and other charities need donations to keep up with the complex emergencies. A National War Fund today should likewise support their efforts. During the National War Fund drive of World War II, funds were raised to help feed civilian victims in the occupied countries.
So many needs on so many fronts may seem a daunting task. Remember though the World War II heroics of the American people in responding to needs everywhere. This helped win the war and the peace.
As FDR said “the National War Fund combines the American genius for organization, the American capacity for economy, and the best of our American tradition for giving freely, and promptly, and in proportion to our means and the need.”
That is why we need a National War Fund response today to defeat the novel coronavirus. It could be led by former Presidents Barack Obama and George Bush, and of course with the spirit of Franklin Roosevelt and the Greatest Generation.
William Lambers is an author who partnered with the UN World Food Program and Catholic Relief Services on the book Ending World Hunger. His writings have been published by the USA Today, Baltimore Sun, History News Network, The Hill, Houston Chronicle and many other news outlets.
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