Just after Thanksgiving, on Dec. 7, 1941, the unthinkable happened. Pearl Harbor was bombed… America was thrust into WWII. Countless men, young and not so young, joined the armed forces. Women served in the Red Cross and took factory jobs to help keep tanks and airplanes rolling off the assembly lines.

On Nov. 13, 1942 Macy’s Jack Strauss donated the​giant balloons to Mayor Fiorello LaGaurdia. The dragon balloon was inflated with air, since helium was also an important commodity during the war, and in dramatic fashion, the mayor plunged a knife into the dragon. Thus Macy’s balloon stars became 650 pounds of valuable rubber.

WE’VE  ENLISTED! THERE WILL BE NO PARADE THIS THANKSGIVING

Text from the 1942 Macy’s advertisement:

We Macy balloons have always stood for peace and plenty of fun for all. We were a weaving and bobbing symbol of democracy at play. We figured in a parade devoted to laughter and shenanigans. Fear never marched in our ranks. there wasn’t a goosestep or a gun in the whole shebang. The  2,000,000 people who came to enjoy the show were peace lovers too. But now we’ve a war to win and we’ve enlisted, to help make the world safe for future parades full of merriment and good will.

We are turning ourselves over, body and soul,  with no strings attached, to the New York City Salvage Committee. Destined for the rubber scrap pile, we will perhaps find our way into tires for tanks, or maybe life rafts. Wherever we’re most needed, we’ll be glad to serve our country– though we can’t help wishing we could float over Hirohito’s palatial shack, and frighten him out of his kimono. We’d like to act as a barrage balloons, around New York or London. But it’s up to the armed forces. What they say goes, And whatever assignment we draw, we’ll swell with pride (helium or no helium) knowing that we’re going to help deflate Hitler and his chums.

Our public, though disappointed that the parade will not parade, will be glad that Macy’s has donated us to the war effort. The helium that used to inflate us will be saved, also the metal cylinders in which it came. The tires and gas, too,, that maneuvered the numerous trucks and floats down Broadway, we’ll be spared for more important jobs. And we know you’ll agree it is wise not to attract a crowd of 2,000,000 people in time when New York’s Finest are needed to guard warehouses and docks.

So we’re wish you a fine dinner, and as we go join up, we’ll be looking forward to that glorious thanksgiving Day when our descendants will parade down Central Park West and Broadway, while millions cheer. Boy! will that be a Thanksgiving!

 

Macy’s 1942 Advertisement text from wHi ww.wwiidogtags.com