Vince Leibowitz

A Solemn Hour for Texans Everywhere Vince Leibowitz

How did Texans learn that the Allied invasion of Europe had begun during World War II? A Solemn Hour for Texans Everywhere tells the story of how news of the D-Day invasion reached various Texas communities early in the morning hours of June 6, 1944, and how Texans from the governor to defense workers reacted to the news. Journalist and historian Vince Leibowitz spent months scouring primary sources, particularly newspapers, to tell the compelling story of how everyday Texans learned of the most important military engagement of World War II. He has unearthed scores of accounts of how cities and towns from Aspermont to Whitewright learned of the news and how they reacted. This compelling narrative tells how prearranged public signals and worship services had been planned throughout the state for the day of the invasion, and includes rare photographs of what actually occurred in some Texas cities and towns on D-Day. A Solemn Hour for Texans Everywhere takes the reader back in time to the days before the 24-hour news cycle to one of the most important days in modern American history and explores a completely forgotten aspect of World War II activities on the homefront in Texas. From funny moments like a man running in to the press room of a newspaper and handing over a wad of cash for the first edition off the presses, to stories of audible sobs through the stillness of early-morning church services, to documenting the only two known integrated D-Day observances in Texas, A Solemn Hour for Texans Everywhere paints the reader an accurate and emotional picture of what it was like to be awakened by news of the Allied invasion of France on the morning of June 6, 1944. A Solemn Hour for Texans Everywhere is designed with large print for an easy read for readers of all ages.