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Tag: World War II

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The Long Gas Lines of Washington, D.C. in 1942
Take a look back at World War II-era Washington, D.C. with these photos of the long gas lines in the city on June 21st, 1942, the day before stricter gasoline rationing went into effect.
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Visibility Zero Unless You Lend Your Binoculars to the Navy: Exploring the Posters of the WPA
Explore the unique posters of the Work Projects Administration (WPA) from 1936 to 1943, including the one below which shows the Navy asking to borrow your binoculars to help prevent attacks at sea. View 907 digitized posters at the Library of Congress!
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The Washington Post Story of Austria Owing the District Back Taxes 50 Years Ago
On this date, 50 years ago, The Washington Post printed a story about the government of Austria owing the District back taxes on their embassy for lack of payment during World War II. The Austrians have been billed since the property was registered in their name the whole time. Find out if the bill was ever paid.
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The Strange Sight of World War II Tanks Parading Down Pennsylvania Avenue
In 1947 (or possibly during WWII), a strange sight occurred on Pennsylvania Avenue: A parade of tanks rolling from the Capitol Building to the White House. Read more to learn why this happened and the discussion on Reddit.
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Understanding America's Complicated Relationship with France
Revisit the history of the complex relationship between America and France, from the American Revolution to WWII and beyond. Learn more about the shared history and how it has shaped our views of each other.
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Schoolboys Collecting Scrap Paper for WW2 Salvage Drive in Mount Pleasant, D.C.
Check out this cool photo from WW2 of schoolboys going door to door collecting scrap paper for a salvage drive in Mount Pleasant, D.C. Learn more about this historic moment captured on Google Street View!
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The Mystery of the Photo: Was this WWII Couple Staging a Picture for the War Effort?
Take a look at this WWII photo of a couple visiting the Capitol. Could this romantic image have been staged for the war effort? Explore the mystery of this photo and the soldiers milling about in the background.
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A Moment Frozen in Time: A Soldier and a Woman in a Park in 1943
Take a look back in time with this amazing photograph from 1943. A soldier and a woman in a park, with the Old [Russell] Senate Office Building behind them. A moment frozen in time that will take your breath away.
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Remembering Buddy Lewis: A Washington Senator and WWII Veteran
Remembering Buddy Lewis, the Washington Senator and World War II veteran who served 11 seasons in D.C. and flew 350 missions over Europe to fight Nazi Germany. Learn about this heroic player, who passed away at the age of 94.
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Three Things You Didn't Know About National Airport
Discover the amazing stories from Washington's National Airport: from an 8,198-mile nonstop flight to a ticket agent murder to a jurisdictional dispute. Read about these incredible stories and more!
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The Life and Times of Walter Spangenberg, Washingtonian and Naval Aviator
Get to know the life and times of Walter Spangenberg, a Washingtonian and Naval Aviator during WWII. Read about his journey from Wilson High School to the Korean War and beyond. Plus, see photos from the Library of Congress!
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1940 Census: D.C. Was Bigger Than Today, Housed A "Hobo Jungle Camp"
The District's peacetime population exploded as government grew and workers - men and women - flocked to new jobs.  It was 1940.  Census employees hit the streets in April.  They determined that D.C. had grown rapidly.
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Reading the Washington Post Before Pearl Harbor: A Look at a Day Which Would Live in Infamy
In the hours before Pearl Harbor, Washington Post articles spoke of the failing negotiations between the U.S. and Japan. Read about the articles and President Roosevelt's dramatic move to prevent war. See his "Date Which Will Live in Infamy" speech and related articles.
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Unnamed Sailor and Girlfriend Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1943
An amazing old color photo taken in May 1943 by John Collier shows an unnamed sailor and his girlfriend visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. See the powerful photos and learn what happened to them during and after the war.
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Winston Churchill's Speech in Washington in 1941
Watch a video of Winston Churchill's speech in Washington in December 1941, just after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and read the most powerful quote from the speech. Learn more about the speech and related articles.
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What Is The History of the Capital Beltway?
The Capital Beltway, encircling Washington D.C., is more than just a highway. It represents a journey through time, connecting past and present, as a testament to the growth, vision, and bustling energy that have shaped the nation's capital.
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Prince Abdul Ilah's Visit to the United States at the End of World War II
At the end of World War II, the regent and heir apparent to the throne of Iraq, Prince Abdul Ilah, was invited to visit the United States. Learn more about his visit with the Washington Post article and photographs from the time.
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This Shocking Photo of Kids Playing with Fake Guns During WWII at Woodrow Wilson High School
This photo of two children playing with fake guns at Woodrow Wilson High School during World War II is a shocking reminder of how kids emulate what they see. Learn more about this scene taken in 1943.
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Exploring the Washington Lions of the American Hockey League (AHL)
Join us on a journey to explore the Washington Lions of the American Hockey League (AHL). Learn about their connection to Montreal, their brief history in DC, and check out their great programs.
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Six Nazi Saboteurs Executed in Washington
Most of you probably are not aware that Nazi saboteurs landed on our shores early during World War II. On June 12th, 1942, a Nazi submarine reached the coast of Long Island, landing four German spies on the sandy beaches of Amagansett. U.S. Coast Guardsman, John Cullen discovered them while on routine beach patrol. George Dasch, leader of the landing party, bribed Cullen, who promised to keep quiet...
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Uncovering the Stories Behind the Blue Home at 2509 Cliffbourne Pl. NW
Uncovering the history of the blue home at 2509 Cliffbourne Pl. NW. Read about the bicycle accident, the prominent patent attorney, the Axis Sally trial jury selection and the body found in Rock Creek. Plus, a surprise story involving a P-B Automobile popularity contest.
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A Glimpse into D.C. During World War II: A Video from the 1944 Cherry Blossom Festival
Take a peek into the past and watch a video from the 1944 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. during World War II. Enjoy the nostalgic vibes and a unique glimpse into the city during wartime. Pardon the music - mute it for the best experience.
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If Walls Could Talk: The Looking Glass Lounge
This next installment of “If Walls Could Talk” will be the Petworth watering hole, The Looking Glass Lounge. This is one of my favorite places for a Sunday afternoon beer, especially in the warmer months, out on their back patio. I imagine the place will be packed this evening, and now you guys have another interesting conversation topic … what’s the story of the building inside...
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Watch as FDR is Inaugurated for the Fourth Time at the White House During WWII
Watch as Franklin Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, starts his fourth term at the White House during WWII. See the impressive video and photos, and learn more about this unique and muted event.
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Remembering FDR: A Look Back at the Funeral Procession of April 12th, 1945
On April 12th, 1945, the nation mourned the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This somber video and beautiful image capture the funeral procession that took place in the nation's capital.
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Uncovering the History of 1036 Park Rd. NW
Explore the history of 1036 Park Rd. NW in Washington D.C. through a historical sleuthing mission. Uncover the stories from the 1912 building permit, the marriage of Benjamin and Olga, Joseph Bryant's Commerce Department career, and City Wide Learning Centers.
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