Chapter 54 Will V-Day Be Me-Day Too?

Over There, World War II. Dear Fellow Americans, I write this letter Hoping times will be better When this war Is through. Im a Tan-skinned Yank Driving a tank. I ask, WILL V-DAY BE ME-DAY, TOO? I wear a US uniform. Ive done the enemy much harm, I've driven back The Germans and the Japs, From Burma to the Rhine. On every battle line, I've dropped defeat Into the Fascists laps. I am a Negro American Out to defend my land Army, Navy, Air Corps-- I am there. I take munitions through, I fight--or stevedore, too. I face death the same as you do

Everywhere. Ive seen my buddy lying Where he fell. Ive watched him dying I promised him that I would try To make our land a land Where his son could be a man-- And there's no Jim Crow birds Left in our sky. So this is what I want to know: When we see Victory's glow, Will you still let old Jim Crow Hold me back? When all those foreign folks whove waited-- Italians, Chinese, Danes--are liberated. Will I still be ill-fated Because Im black? Here in my own, my native land, Will the Jim Crow laws still stand? Will Dixie lynch me still When I return?

Or will you combat in arms From the factories and the farms, Have learned what this war Was fought for us to learn? When I take off my uniform, Will I be safe from harm-- Or will you do me As the Germans did the Jews? When I've helped this world to save, Shall I still be colors slave? Or will Victory change Your antiquated views? You can't say I didn't fight To smash the Fascists might. You can't say I wasn't with you in each battle. As a soldier, and a friend. When this war comes to an end, Will you herd me in a Jim Crow car Like cattle?

Or will you stand up like a man At home and take your stand For Democracy? Thats all I ask of you. When we lay the guns away To celebrate Our Victory Day WILL V-DAY BE ME-DAY, TOO? Thats what I want to know. Sincerely, GI Joe.